Major retail scheme takes a step closer

A DEVELOPMENT agreement has been secured for a major new retail park in East Yorkshire.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Maple Grove Developments, part of the Eric Wright Group, have exchanged a Development Agreement for the council’s former highways depot in Grovehill Road, Beverley.
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The proposed development will include a large food store, with a petrol filling station and ancillary non-food stores on the 4.8 hectare site.

The Preston-based developer is proposing a retail scheme which will be delivered as a joint venture project with Leeds-based developer, Yorvale.

Paul Bell, head of economic development at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “The council is pleased that the development of the Grovehill site has moved a step closer to meet a known demand.

“We will be working with the developer to help secure a quality retail scheme that will secure new jobs in the construction and retail sectors and contribute to the wellbeing of the local economy.”

As the landowner, the council selected Maple Grove Developments as the preferred bidder for the scheme several months ago and, with negotiations on the legal agreement now concluded, a planning application for the development is expected to be submitted in the summer and will be considered by the council’s planning committee in due course.

Chris Evenson, managing director of Maple Grove Developments, said: “After a long period of negotiation, we are delighted to have concluded the legal agreement with East Riding of Yorkshire Council. We are aware that Sainsbury’s has been looking to open a new store in Beverley for some time and we will now need to enter into discussions to see if a deal can be negotiated that will make them the main occupier on the development.”