£35m Worcestershire retail and lifestyle development green-lighted
OWNER and developer Eagle One has received planning permission for a large-scale retail and lifestyle development fronting the River Avon near Evesham.
IntoOutdoors will combine a 45 unit retail centre with outdoor leisure pursuits and holiday lodges set within a 125 acre site.
It has been suggested up to 1,000 jobs could be created as a result.
The developer hopes to break ground on the project this year with an intention of it being completed by summer 2014.
The £35m scheme will consist of 140,000s q ft of retail, restaurant, cafes and leisure space. A collection of 60 holiday lodges in a lakeside setting, two fishing lakes, cycle routes, outdoor exhibition and activity areas will complete the scheme that will have 1.5 miles of frontage onto the River Avon.
Simon Tothill, director of IntoOutdoors, said: “In a harsh economic climate, IntoOutdoors is a unique retail concept which offers an alternative to traditional and internet based retailing. We believe it will succeed by making the shopping experience a truly leisure-based activity with IntoOutdoors designed to appeal to all age groups.
“A retail environment where you can ‘try before you buy’ is an intrinsic part of our offer, not only do consumers get a memorable hands-on shopping experience in an idyllic setting, but retailers benefit from showing products to their full potential.
“The £35m investment will lead to the creation of around 1,000 jobs and has been welcomed with open arms by the local community. Links to the nearby town of Evesham via water taxi, cycle path and a new bus service will ensure the development attracts new visitors not only to IntoOutdoors, but also surrounding towns and village.”
Knight Frank is instructed as development consultants and letting agent for the scheme.
The Eagle One group of companies is an Exeter-based private property company set up in 1984.
Previously known as Rockeagle, the name was changed to Eagle One following the sale of the development arm of the business in April 2001.
A property asset portfolio of well in excess of £150m has been built-up over the past 25 years.
