It has been announced that work will begin on the long-awaited Riverside development in Stafford, which has been delayed since last since September.
The £70 million shopping complex will contain a total of 18 retail units, along with a six screen multiplex cinema and multi storey car park with 900 spaces. Developers LXB Retail hope to complete the project by June 2016.
The centre will utilise a glass roof to create a spacious yet sheltered environment for shoppers. The seven storey car park will follow similar lines with a modern design and will replace the former Bridge Street car park – the demolition of which has already begun.
Mike Heenan, Stafford Borough Council leader, voiced his excitement at the eventual start of work upon the site.
He said; “It has been a long delay and obviously the economic situation has been difficult but it’s great to see the developers have got confidence in Stafford and have decided to proceed.”
While few details regarding the tenants of the property have been released so far, Marks & Spencer and Debenhams have confirmed that they will both be opening stores within the main retail complex.
Furthermore, LXB confirmed that it has been involved in discussions with a number of cinema operators regarding the multiplex, but are yet to sign contracts with the chosen party.
Stafford Borough Council spokesman, Will Conaghan, revealed that a number of retailers had expressed an interest in taking up retail space before work to the site was delayed in September.
He said; “We have been told by the developers that work is due to begin in January.
“The company behind the scheme recently announced further retail outlets have been signed up for the development.
“They have already started work on the former Chicago Rock building and will be holding a public presentation to outline their plans.”
It is as yet unknown how many permanent jobs will be created in Stafford as a result of the Riverside shopping complex, although the figure will surely be helpful in reducing unemployment in the area. Official estimates state that the construction process will require around 200 full time workers, with the workforce primarily consisting of Stafford residents.
Do you think the flood of shopping centre developments nationwide is sustainable, or are developers rushing to cash in on their popularity while consumer confidence is still high?
Previous Post
Five London Hotel Openings to Watch in 2014
