Property News: IKEA expansion, Exchange Station, Assura, and Hurstwood
IKEA has been granted planning permission for a 86,112 sq ft extension to its Warrington store and the development of a 1,000-space car park next door.
The extension will allow the shop to store more stock on site, rather than at a separate location.
Real estate manager Paul Jacobs said: “This is an important decision for the Warrington store, allowing us to improve the service we offer customers through more stock on site and better availability for pick up close to the point of sale.
“It will also create additional employment opportunities and ease congestion in the store during the peak trading periods.”
IKEA was advised by Manchester-based Indigo Planning.
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A JOINT venture between landlord Ashtenne and the Homes and Communities Agency has unveiled its plans for Exchange Station in Liverpool.
Last month Ashtenne Space Northwest committed £5m to the building in Tithebarn Street.
It closed as a railway station in the 1970s but the frontage was retained as part of a 190,000 sq ft office building called Mercury Court.
In the first phase of works the atrium is to be remodelled to create a concourse with
concierge reception, meeting rooms, seating for informal meetings and a coffee shop.
Vacant office suites are to undergo a refurb and ultra-fast broadband will be installed along with energy efficient heating, cooling and lighting systems. There will also be secure bike storage, a gym, shower facilities and locker rooms.
BDP is the architect and interior designer, while Savills is the project manager. Hilson Moran is leading the sustainability and services design and Keppie Massie is the letting agent.
Construction is underway and the first fully refurbished suites will be available in March. The concourse should be finished in August, with full completion of the first phase in September.
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WARRINGTON healthcare property developer Assura Group has started work on the £3.55m redevelopment of a centre in Worcestershire.
The Church Hill Neighbourhood Centre in Redditch is a 17,000 sq ft scheme which includes a health centre and several retail units.
It will also involve the relocation of several other local businesses, including a pharmacy and NHS dentist. A further residential phase will be developed by Bellway Homes.
Assura’s development manager Amanda Roddy said: “We’re very pleased to be starting on site with this new development, which will not only provide a valuable boost to the community in terms of medical service, but will also create a retail hub in the redeveloped centre. We expect the scheme to have a very positive impact on the Church Hill area of Redditch once completed.”
The scheme is being built by Ashby de la Zouch-based LSP Developments and designed by Tamworth architect West Hart Partnership. It is expected to be finished in 2013.
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LANDLORD Hurstwood has let more space at its Bridgewater House office building in Nelson.
MacGregor International Publishing, already a tenant, has taken on an extra suite for its company PLTV News.
It produces a daily news programme and monthly local newspaper covering east Lancashire and also has a corporate video production service.
Peter MacGregor, managing director of MacGregor International, said: “We moved into Bridgewater House in March 2010 because we wanted a modern and well-functioning office in a thriving area.
“Due to expansion in October 2012 our company PLTV News was looking for extra space to create a broadcasting studio.”
