ST MODWEN REVEALS REDEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR CONNAHÌâå_S QUAY

St Modwen, the UK’s leading regeneration specialist, has submitted an outline planning application for the £8 million redevelopment of Fford Llanarth Neighbourhood Centre, Connah¹s Quay, Flintshire, to create a new and vibrant neighbourhood centre for the town.

It is proposed to develop a 48,000 sq ft supermarket, plus 21,900 sq ft of additional retail units whilst retaining the existing Gillespie¹s public house.

The plan also includes enlarging the car park to provide 307 spaces, introducing disabled, motorcycle and cycle parking facilities, improving pedestrian links to and within the centre, and providing taxi and bus pick-up facilities.

St Modwen, which already owns the centre and is acquiring additional land from Flintshire Council to facilitate a phased development involving the relocation of existing tenants, is already liaising with the tenants to ensure the minimum of disruption to their business.

Richard Bakes, St Modwen¹s development manager, said: “We always involve the local community in the preparation of our developments. We are to hold a number of informal public presentations at the centre in the New Year so that the tenants and members of the public may have a chance to have their say on the redevelopment plans .

“It is hoped that a start on construction of the first phase of the development will take place in late autumn 2008, to enable the relocation of the existing tenants followed by the demolition of the existing centre and the construction of the second phase.

Lisa Fearn, on behalf of Connah¹s Quay Town Council, said: “We were fortunate to be included as a key stakeholder from the beginning to assist with ensuring a holistic approach was taken, allowing not only services and facilities to be delivered to the people of Connah’s Quay but other benefits including the retention of existing businesses as well as the creation of jobs.

“The project regenerates the whole area and we fully support it and look forward to its completion.”

For further information contact Richard Bakes of St Modwen (01925 825950).

Issued by Paul Raymer of Howle Chapman Raymer (0121 313 1000).