CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY AT PHOENIX RETAIL PARK
Developer St. Modwen has commenced construction at the new £8m Phoenix Retail Park in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent.
Reinforcing St. Modwen’s commitment to regeneration in the region, the first phase of the project is intended to kick-start the wider redevelopment of the former Phoenix Timber Yard site. Plans include the delivery of five new retail units totalling 42,100 sq ft, together with a McDonald’s restaurant and Drive Thru, plus parking for 233 cars.
St. Modwen received planning for the development in April this year and, having already secured occupiers McDonald’s, Pets@Home and Smyths Toys off-plan, is now undertaking initial site works in preparation for building construction to commence towards the end of August. Lettings have been agreed with McDonald’s for its 3,500 sq ft restaurant with Smyths Toys and Pets@Home taking 15,000 sq ft and 7,500 sq ft retail stores respectively. The company is also in discussions with other parties for the remaining three retail units which range from 5,100-7,500 sq ft.
Euan Lindsay, senior development manager for St. Modwen commented: “Development of the former Phoenix Timber Yard site has been a long time in the making and we are delighted to now be on-site and progressing delivery of this exciting new retail park for Longton. Securing retailers pre-construction is very encouraging in the present market and clearly demonstrates that the named occupiers have recognised both a market demand in the area and the retail park’s excellent edge of centre position, coupled with prominent frontage to the A50.
“Phoenix Retail Park is not only great news for Longton but also the wider Stoke on Trent area with the creation of up to 160 new jobs at the development. It will be a quality development, enjoying a very visible location on one of the major gateways into Longton town centre and one we hope will prove the catalyst to enhancing Longton as a retail centre.”
Further development opportunities remain at Phoenix Retail Park and St. Modwen is already in negotiations to secure a public house / restaurant on the second phase. Completion of the retail park is scheduled for early summer 2012.
