In The News
WILSON Bowden Developments today announces a major design and build project at its Kingsway development in Rochdale.
The commercial arm of Barratt Developments PLC will build a 616,000 sq ft warehouse with 250,000 sq ft of mezzanine storage space for High Street retailer JD Sports.
The distribution centre - at Rochdale’s Kingsway Business Park - is one of the largest commercial property projects in the North West in the last decade.
JD Sports and Wilson Bowden have simultaneously completed the forward funding of the site with Canada Life .
Nick Richardson, Managing Director of Wilson Bowden Developments, said: “We are pleased to have reached agreement to deliver this exciting scheme for JD Sports.”
“Not only is this a great step forward in the development of this scheme in a difficult market, but it is also provides evidence of confidence returning to the High Street, which is important to our town centre regeneration programme.”
Mark Clare, Chief Executive of Barratt Developments PLC, said: “This is a major step forward for our experienced team at Wilson Bowden Developments which has shown its expertise at delivering significant projects over a number of years and in all markets.”
“Wilson Bowden has a wider portfolio which includes town centre retail schemes and city centre office schemes. We expect them to continue to realise value from these opportunities as the market improves.”
The development, which was given planning permission in January 2009, will start on site in June and is due for completion in February 2011.”
P3 acted for Wilson Bowden , Cushman and Wakefield acted for JD Sports and Gerald Eve acted for Canada Life .
At 420 acres, Kingsway Business Park is half the size of Manchester city centre. Located next to Junction 21 of the M62, the park offers a strategic location for national and international firms.
NOTES TO EDITORS
- For further information please contact Dan Bridgett, Head of External Affairs at Barratt Developments PLC, on +44 207 299 4873 or +44 7721 395501 or dan.bridgett@barrattplc.co.uk
- Wilson Bowden Developments is part of Barratt Developments PLC. Its nationwide product portfolio includes a wide range of commercial property, including offices, retail (both in town and out of town), leisure, industrial and distribution.
- Images of a selection of developments are available to the media at www.barrattdevelopments.co.uk/media/photographs/barrattgroup.
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Wilson Bowden Developments have (this week) submitted an outline planning application for a £200m redevelopment of Macclesfield Town Centre.
The proposals for the 500,000 sq ft mixed-use development include a department store with Debenhams signed as the anchor to the scheme with an 80,000 sq ft store. Negotiations are also progressing with an operator for a 30,000 sq ft 8 screen multiplex cinema. An additional 50 units for retail, restaurants or cafes, a 1200 space multi storey car park and 55 residential units combining town houses and flats are incorporated into the scheme masterplan.
Wilson Bowden Developments have been working in partnership with Macclesfield Borough Council since they were appointed in 2005, to develop the masterplan for this mixed use retail and leisure led development.
Emma Newman, Development Manager at Wilson Bowden Developments said; “Through extensive consultation with key stakeholders, landowners and members of the public we believe we are submitting the best scheme for Macclesfield. There is no doubt that it will have long term financial benefits for the town as it encourages new retailers and businesses to invest locally and the focus on leisure with a cinema and restaurants will boost the town’s evening economy. It has been a long journey to get us to this stage, but we are confident that this scheme will secure Macclesfield’s future as the sub -regional shopping destination it should be.
Chris Wieszczycki, director of scheme architects Engle added; “We have been working closely with Wilson Bowden Developments and Macclesfield Borough Council to create a masterplan that incorporates a mix of traditional design complimenting the existing rich architectural heritage in Macclesfield together with some more modern influences. This is an extension of the Town Centre, not just a “shopping centre” and the clearly defined character areas will help to give the development an identity and preserve some of the finer aspects of the Town’s built form.”
The planning application is currently being registered and verified by Macclesfield Borough Council, and a decision on the application is expected during spring 2009 it is anticipated that the entire development will be completed in 2014.
The new £100 million shopping and entertainment destination, Eagles Meadow in Wrexham which opened its doors to the public last Thursday, has reported a busy and successful few days during its first weekend of trading.
Simon Pullen, centre manager for Eagles Meadow, said: “The centre was very busy during opening day on Thursday and we estimate between 40,000 and 50,000 people visited us on that day. Things have also continued to be extremely hectic on Friday and throughout the weekend.
“Current indications are that shoppers are spending money, not just looking and we’ve received very positive feedback from all of our retailers.”
Geraldine Parkin, M&S Wrexham Eagles Meadow store manager, said: “We have been delighted with the response to our new Eagles Meadow store, the number of customers on Thursday far exceeded our expectations and people have continued to come in their droves over the weekend.
“The feedback has been really positive, customers have been impressed with the extended offering at the new store, especially the larger food hall and the introduction of per una to Wrexham.”
A spokesperson for Debenhams added: “We were amazed at the local support for the opening - the footfall was far more than we expected, and the weekend trade certainly kept us busy. This has been a really positive start to our trade in Wrexham and look forward to it continuing into the run up to Christmas and beyond.”
