The John Lewis Partnership is widely renowned as a powerhouse of British retailing, with the recent recession barely managing to dent profits for either the John Lewis or Waitrose chains. This has allowed the group to rapidly expand and innovate in a bid to improve accessibility for consumers.
Now, the group intends to combine its assets into a combination store to be based on a business park in Basingstoke town centre. Should planning permission be granted by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, construction work could feasibly begin as early as next spring.
The proposed new store would measure 107,500 square feet and has the potential to create up to 300 new jobs in the area. It would also be only the second of its kind in the John Lewis Partnership’s property portfolio – the only other combination store is located in Ipswich.
Yet this huge store is only one part of a £200 million regeneration plan designed to attract consumers to the 15 acre business park. The project is being spearheaded by Muse Developments on behalf of the local council, who will host two public consultation events this week in order to assess what the local community are seeking in the retail development.
Muse regional director Mike Auger urged local residents to attend the consultations in order to help shape the final planning application which will be submitted in the coming weeks.
He says; “It’s important to us that local people have the opportunity to see these plans and give us feedback before we proceed with our planning application.
“Residents and businesses will be able to visit us at a series of public exhibitions or alternatively, go online.”
While no solid plans are in place yet, it is believed that Waitrose would occupy the ground floor of the development while a John Lewis “at home” department would take residence on the mezzanine and upper levels.
Consumers would be able to purchase items such as furniture, furnishing accessories, electrical items and home technology along with their weekly shop, whilst also taking advantage of a café, dry cleaners and cash machine.
Property director for the John Lewis Partnership, Nigel Keen, believes that the development could rejuvenate not just the business park but Basingstoke itself.
He says; “This is an important regeneration opportunity for Basingstoke, especially given its prominent location as a gateway to the town centre.
“We are excited by the potential for us to make a lasting contribution to the town’s retail offer and local employment.
“We have a long standing ambition to bring our brands to the area and we look forward to discussing our plans with local people.”
Do you think that this John Lewis Partnership superstore will prove popular with consumers, or would two adjoining or even separate facilities to house each chain have been a better opportunity to attract new customers from the Basingstoke area?
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