In The News
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.”
After a six year planning and construction project, the £100 million Eagles Meadow in Wrexham, opens its doors to the public today.
The 400,000 sq ft shopping and entertainment destination has been conceived and designed to attract a wider audience of shoppers and visitors to the town and it is estimated it will elevate Wrexham into the UK’s top 80 retail centres. The project has been a joint venture between Wrexham County Borough Council and Wilson Bowden Developments.
At 10am an opening ceremony will take place at the Eagles Meadow end of the link bridge where the Worshipful Mayor of Wrexham, Councillor David Griffiths will cut the ribbon and declare the centre open.
Nick Richardson, managing director of Wilson Bowden, said: “After years of hard work, Eagles Meadow is a testimony to the partnership of Wilson Bowden Developments and Wrexham County Borough Council working so well together.
“Right from the start, the project was designed as an extension to the town centre and an improvement for Wrexham as a whole to bring trade to all the shops and businesses here, not just those in Eagles Meadow and to provide the most impressive shopping and leisure attraction in North Wales.
“Team work is a term that can sometimes be over-used, but in the case of Eagles Meadow, this is exactly what has made it all happen. Today is a day of celebration for everyone who has been involved, including our colleagues at Wrexham County Borough Council, but also all the planners, the architects, all of our construction workers, electricians, engineers, plumbers and shop fitters.
“We’re confident that everyone in Wrexham is going to be delighted with the new Eagles Meadow and over the weeks and months ahead will enjoy its facilities and everything it has to offer.”
Combining high street names with a host of restaurants and leisure outlets, Eagles Meadow will feature a wide range of leading names including Debenhams, M&S, Jane Norman, River Island, Next, Bank, H&M, La Senza, with Topshop, Topman, Wallis, Dorothy Perkins and Burton opening in November.
Leisure outlets including Pizza Express, Frankie & Benny’s, and Nando’s will all open at Eagles Meadow in October and November, and with an eight screen multiplex Odeon also scheduled for Easter 2009, this brings the total floor space let to 90 per cent.
The day’s celebrations begin with a Caribbean style carnival will be which will start at 9.20am at Queens Square. The carnival, which will be led by Marcher Sound’s Galaxy and Thunder Crew, will then make its way through the streets of Wrexham to the new bridge connecting the existing shopping area of the town with Eagles Meadow and members of the public are invited to join in with the procession.
Would be shoppers will then be free to enter the centre and experience for the first time what Eagles Meadow has to offer.
For further information about Eagles Meadow go to www.eagles-meadow.co.uk
