New development set to create scores of retail jobs
CONSTRUCTION has begun on a new retail scheme in Staffordshire which could create scores of new jobs.
Fashion brand TK Maxx has signed up for the new 20,000 sq ft store, which is being built at St. Modwen’s Phoenix Retail Park development in Longton.
More than 65 tonnes of steel framework have already been craned into position on the site, at which St. Modwen has been carrying out preparatory works since early spring.
The building works, carried out by Caddick Construction on behalf of St. Modwen, are due to be completed towards the end of the year, with the new store set to begin trading in early 2017.
The arrival of the international discount brand marks the final phase of development at Phoenix Park. Two industrial warehouse units totalling 9,525 sq ft will also be built as part of this latest phase, and are expected to generate a further 20 job opportunities for local people.
The site currently provides over 42,000 sq ft of retail space to big name brands including Curry’s PC World, Smyths Toys, Brantano Footwear and Pets@Home.
There is also a McDonald’s drive-thru restaurant and a family pub and restaurant, ‘The Pepper Mill’, which is owned and managed by Wolverhampton-based pubco and brewer, Marston’s.
Euan Lindsay, Senior Development Manager at St. Modwen, said: “Securing an international retailer like TK Maxx for the final phase is testament to Phoenix Park’s success and will further enhance Longton as a shopping destination.
“Now the steelwork is underway, the new TK Maxx store is really starting to come together and we look forward to its completion and opening in 2017.”
Andrew Murray, managing director at Caddick Construction, added: “It’s great to see the steelwork going up, with the development coming out of the ground and taking shape.”
Caddick Groupis a recognised constructor and civil engineer within the commercial property sector.
The group, which employs almost 500 people and has a £90m turnover, has previously worked on schemes including Monks Cross and the Designer Outlet Village in York, Trinity Leeds, Scarborough Business Park, Rose Wharf in Leeds and residential schemes in central London.
