Next reveals plans for new 26,000 sq ft Derby store
Next revealed plans to close two of its Derby outlets and build a 26,000 sq ft store on the site of the former Kingsway Hospital.
The scheme would replace Next’s current stores at Kingsway and Wyvern and include a restaurant, coffee shop and drive-thru – as well as 207 car parking spaces.
The plans will also include “significant” highways improvements, including widening the exit lanes from Kingsway Retail Park and the possibility of hosting one of Derby’s new e-bike hubs.
This work will follow on from road improvements that have already been proposed by Kier Living as part of its around 700 home development, including the relocation of crossings to aid pedestrian and vehicle movements at the Kingsway roundabout as well as improvements to the A38 Grand Canyon and Uttoxeter New Road junctions.
Dan Hyde, senior development manager at Kier Property, said: “These plans will deliver a high-quality retail development that will bring economic and job opportunities to the local area. We know Next is a brand that attracts shoppers and under these plans it will enable the store to improve its offering in the city.
“If the development is successful, we will look to widen the exit lanes for the Retail Park. What’s more, we are looking at greener ways to support the city and currently looking at how we can support cycling in the area. We look forward to discussing the plans with members of the local community gain as much feedback as possible to assist with our proposals.”
Gary Robinson, regional estates manager from Next, added: “We have been looking to invest in a new Derby store for some time and the Kingsway location is the most appropriate. The new store will not only provide a better range of products for our customers, it will also create a better environment for our existing staff. We want to give the people of Derby the best of the Next store experience in what is going to be a top class building that is 100% relevant to the needs of the modern shopper.”
Current employees at the Next stores in Kingsway and Wyvern Retail Parks will be offered roles in the new store, if the plans are approved.
A formal planning application will be submitted once feedback from a consultation has been analysed by the development team.
The consultation process will include a public exhibition about the proposals on Friday, 30th November from 3.30pm to 7.30pm in the Kings Highway Pub, with members of the development team on hand to answer any questions the local community may have. A leaflet explaining the proposed plans will be sent to approximately 10,000 households in the area.
