Morpeth Town Centre Regeneration

Irish Blood English Heart · October 22nd, 2009, 12:34 AM

I don't know if anyone on here visits the historic market town of Morpeth, but I noticed that there has been a big town centre regeneration scheme to build a new shopping centre on the site of the old run down precinct and bus station.

Last time I visited earlier in the year the bus station was complete and was much better than the last one, and it looks like the shopping centre is opening soon. Stores opening include a large M&S, a New Look, Waterstones, Lakeland, Clerks and o2 shop.

Looks quite an impressive scheme for a town the size of Morpeth, and although it's very pastiche in style, perhaps that is more suited to a town like Morpeth than a more modern scheme.

Any thoughts?

http://www.sandersonarcade.co.uk/

Newcastle Historian · October 22nd, 2009, 01:31 AM

Very interesting post, Irish.

Our Sub-Forum "title" declares the Newcastle Metro Area sub-forum, as also covering South Northumberland. Now, Morpeth may be 'stretching' the South Northumberland tag a little bit, but essentially what I had in mind when I suggested that part of the title, was the inclusion of JUST this sort of development. I was envisaging the likes of Hexham, Corbridge, Blyth, etc, but hey . . . why not MORPETH too . . .

So, this is our first "South Northumberland" thread, and I thought I'd post some of the photos of the project as well . . .

Irish Blood English Heart · October 22nd, 2009, 11:15 AM

Definitely think there's no harm sticking in Northumberland places in here, they'll get read more than on the main board.

Looks like a fairly sympathetic shopping centre and a much more impressive mixed use development (with a better range of shops) than Tesco's efforts at Hebburn and Gateshead for example.

Here's the new bus station courtesy of Jeff Tattersall:

Inside it's much better than the old windswept 70's bus station, it has the feel of an Eldon Square type inside bus station.

Morpeth is a really nice town, that has been blighted in recent years by serious flooding & is still getting back on it's feet. Definitely one of the nicer towns in Northumberland though!

Here's some more pictures of the development:

Geordie Ahmed · October 27th, 2009, 01:18 AM

from the journallive - http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-e...1634-25012862/

Quote:

A FLAGSHIP £32m retail development in a Northumberland market town has bucked the recession as it is now virtually full.

Morpeth’s Sanderson Arcade scheme – which includes a 27-unit, Edwardian-style shopping mall and piazza in the town centre – is 95% occupied after a recent flurry of new lettings.

Four more businesses have signed up to take units in the arcade, and trade alongside leading high street names such as Marks & Spencer, New Look and Waterstone’s. The 250-job project, which started in summer 2008 and will transform the town’s shopping facilities, has thrived despite the deepening economic gloom and has attracted healthy interest from retailers keen to be part of it.

Sanderson Arcade will officially open for business on November 12, with developers Morpeth 11 delighted with the recent spate of new lettings.

The firm took over the project four years ago when a previous developer, Trinity Developments, parted company with landowner Ethel Austin after drawing up a £60m shopping, leisure and housing scheme.

Partners in Morpeth 11 – Dransfield Properties and Ethel Austin Properties – have attracted a number of leading retail names to the development which has also provided Morpeth with a new bus station next to the retail arcade, and includes 22,700 sq ft of office space and car parks. The latest additions to the shopping centre are stationary firm Paperchase, Newcastle-based florist Lilly Rose, accessories and fashion store Lemon and local agents Sam Allan Estates.

Newcastle coffee house Central Bean announced last week that it will be opening a new outlet, replacing Starbucks, which has pulled out following a UK review of new branch openings.

Morpeth 11 managing director Mark Dransfield said: “It has been our strategy from the outset to work with quality local retailers to ensure we get the right mix. This last-minute rush of activity demonstrates the confidence retailers from the region have in Morpeth, and the trading opportunity for other quality regional traders are now limited to the two remaining units.’

“We have taken a comprehensive approach to the development to ensure it fits in well with the existing shops and businesses, and of course public transport and parking.”

Thats impressive of them to gain 95% occupancy

bigchrisfgb · October 27th, 2009, 01:33 AM

Yes, it's very good for them to achieve 95% so far, especially when you think the ES now have to search for many retailers after most of them seemed to just relocate.

Newcastle Historian · November 22nd, 2009, 03:02 AM

Actress to open Sanderson Arcade in Morpeth
Nov 11 2009 By The Journal

A NEW £32m office development in a Northumberland market town is being opened by one of Britain’s best-loved TV personalities. Joanna Lumley OBE will be cutting the ribbon at Morpeth’s new Sanderson Arcade development at the official opening tomorrow.

She was recently awarded the Most Inspiring Public Figure Award in the Pride of Britain Awards for the way she has championed the cause of Gurkhas’ rights. Her father, Major James Rutherford Lumley, served with the Gurkhas.

The actress and presenter is best-known for her roles in The New Avengers, Sapphire and Steel and Absolutely Fabulous.

Mark Dransfield managing director of Dransfield Properties and Morpeth II, the company behind the development, said: "We are delighted Joanna Lumley is opening the new Arcade. "She’s already told us that she is really looking forward to seeing Sanderson Arcade and doing a bit of Christmas shopping while she’s here!

As well as 90,000 sq ft of new purpose-built retail space the development also houses high specification offices, a car park and bus interchange.

Newcastle Historian · November 22nd, 2009, 03:47 AM

Joanna Lumley opens Morpeth shopping Arcade
Nov 13 2009 by Brian Daniel, Evening Chronicle

ABSOLUTELY Fabulous – that was the verdict of TV star Joanna Lumley as she opened a new North East shopping development. Joanna, who played shopaholic Patsy in the hit BBC series, cut the ribbon at Morpeth’s new £32m Sanderson Arcade yesterday.

Planning for the shopping mall began six years ago and work started in July 2008. The Edwardian-style arcade with landscaped piazza boasts 90,000sq ft of retail space. It hosts Marks & Spencer, Fat Face, New Look, Waterstones and Laura Ashley, as well as a number of local firms.

The development also has a new transport interchange and modern office space.

The opening ceremony was attended by hundreds of people, including a host of local dignitaries. Joanna, who has been awarded an OBE and championed the rights of Ghurka soldiers, thrilled the crowd with a “cheers sweeties” – her Ab Fab character’s catchphrase – and by describing the development as “absolutely fabulous”. She joked that Patsy would have used Jennifer Saunders’ character Edina’s credit card to “shop the place dry”.

Joanna, who has also starred in The New Avengers, said: “I think this was most stupendous achievement, particularly as it wasn’t ready until this morning! “It is my first visit to Morpeth and it will not be my last. I am utterly thrilled to be here, there is something extraordinary about the people, the way the river runs through it, and sometimes over it! “This is going to be a huge success. It is just fabulous. It sits so beautifully within the town.”

Mark Dransfield, managing director of scheme developer Dransfield Properties and Morpeth II, said: “I think the day has gone unbelievably well. “I cannot believe how many people Joanna attracted and how well respected she is. “We are very honoured that she came here to do the opening today. We are looking forward to many years here in Morpeth.”

Mayor of Morpeth Ken Brown said: “The development is fantastic, Morpeth has been waiting a long time to have the centre developed. Joanna Lumley is just fabulous – it has felt bigger than a royal visit. “Clearly the people of Morpeth are very excited about the development and the visit of Joanna Lumley, with the excellent civil rights work she has done and the work she has done with the Ghurkas. “She is an absolutely perfect choice for someone to open it.”

One special guest was 91-year-old Jenner Swinney, whose late father William Sanderson planned and built the original Sanderson’s Arcade, which was demolished to make way for the new scheme. Jenner, who lives near Livingston in Scotland, was at the opening of the old site, by the then Duke of Northumberland, with her dad on August 18, 1954.

She said: “There was an awful lot of spectators but nothing like today. This is incredible. I think it is a wonderful development. “My dad would have been thrilled that they have kept the name. It is a lovely touch.”

Irish Blood English Heart · November 24th, 2009, 11:16 PM

I might go up to Morpeth tomorrow and check it out (and take some pics on my phone).

Newcastle Historian · November 25th, 2009, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Irish Blood English Heart

I might go up to Morpeth tomorrow and check it out (and take some pics on my phone).

I was there today (25/11) and took a few photos. Looked for you Irish!!

It was my first visit since it re-opened, and I thought the entire development was EXCELLENT! Always liked Morpeth . . but it's even better now!

I didn't get much time there to take photos and it was pretty awful weather, so please excuse my lousy photography . . .

elliott · November 25th, 2009, 10:24 PM

That looks really good, reminds me of a recent-ish development in Kendal.

Newcastle Historian · January 20th, 2010, 12:20 PM

How do we regenerate tired high streets
Jan 20 2010 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

THE trend in 2009 was one of belt-tightening by retailers as ever-more financially burdened shoppers sought value while at the same time spending.
However bleak this sounds, there are opportunities arising for the region’s main retail pitches across our market towns and main cities.

Uppermost as an example is the recent opening of the Sanderson Arcade in Morpeth. This is the clearest demonstration of how a well-planned shopping centre can dovetail with an existing retail pitch. It has brought an excellent covered mall with new retailers such as Marks & Spencer to this county town.

It demonstrates how the fabric and general environment of a retail location must be constantly re-appraised to ensure it remains attractive.

Morpeth looks good, its broad streets are attractive – it has always been a pleasure to visit. Now it is better with much more parking, a bus station that links directly to the Sanderson Arcade and a sophisticated style that is appealing.

Another strong location is Cramlington but despite a large catchment in a home-owners’ paradise it lacks the style of Morpeth and is in so much need of redevelopment. That however is now some way off as a result of the recession.

AngerOfTheNorth · January 20th, 2010, 10:47 PM

Is it me or does the lettering above the entrance of that Sanderson Arcade remind you of the lettering for Sanderson Young estate agents? Anyone know if there's a link? Whoever Sanderson is/was, they must surely have (had) some money...

October 22nd, 2009, 12:34 AM	#1
Irish Blood English Heart Letting off the happiness Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Wherever I lay my hat Posts: 1,261	Morpeth Town Centre Regeneration I don't know if anyone on here visits the historic market town of Morpeth, but I noticed that there has been a big town centre regeneration scheme to build a new shopping centre on the site of the old run down precinct and bus station. Last time I visited earlier in the year the bus station was complete and was much better than the last one, and it looks like the shopping centre is opening soon. Stores opening include a large M&S, a New Look, Waterstones, Lakeland, Clerks and o2 shop. Looks quite an impressive scheme for a town the size of Morpeth, and although it's very pastiche in style, perhaps that is more suited to a town like Morpeth than a more modern scheme. Any thoughts? http://www.sandersonarcade.co.uk/ __________________ www.facebook.com/danielmcbride

October 22nd, 2009, 01:31 AM	#2
Newcastle Historian Archivist Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Newcastle upon Tyne Posts: 1,922	Very interesting post, Irish. Our Sub-Forum "title" declares the Newcastle Metro Area sub-forum, as also covering South Northumberland. Now, Morpeth may be 'stretching' the South Northumberland tag a little bit, but essentially what I had in mind when I suggested that part of the title, was the inclusion of JUST this sort of development. I was envisaging the likes of Hexham, Corbridge, Blyth, etc, but hey . . . why not MORPETH too . . . So, this is our first "South Northumberland" thread, and I thought I'd post some of the photos of the project as well . . . Last edited by Newcastle Historian; October 22nd, 2009 at 01:42 AM.

October 22nd, 2009, 11:15 AM	#3
Irish Blood English Heart Letting off the happiness Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Wherever I lay my hat Posts: 1,261	Definitely think there's no harm sticking in Northumberland places in here, they'll get read more than on the main board. Looks like a fairly sympathetic shopping centre and a much more impressive mixed use development (with a better range of shops) than Tesco's efforts at Hebburn and Gateshead for example. Here's the new bus station courtesy of Jeff Tattersall: Inside it's much better than the old windswept 70's bus station, it has the feel of an Eldon Square type inside bus station. Morpeth is a really nice town, that has been blighted in recent years by serious flooding & is still getting back on it's feet. Definitely one of the nicer towns in Northumberland though! Here's some more pictures of the development: __________________ www.facebook.com/danielmcbride

October 27th, 2009, 01:33 AM	#5
bigchrisfgb Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Newcastle Posts: 4,195	Yes, it's very good for them to achieve 95% so far, especially when you think the ES now have to search for many retailers after most of them seemed to just relocate. __________________ The stars are falling into bombs! Newcastle Metro Area

November 24th, 2009, 11:16 PM	#8
Irish Blood English Heart Letting off the happiness Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Wherever I lay my hat Posts: 1,261	I might go up to Morpeth tomorrow and check it out (and take some pics on my phone). __________________ www.facebook.com/danielmcbride

November 22nd, 2009, 03:02 AM	#6
Newcastle Historian Archivist Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Newcastle upon Tyne Posts: 1,922	Actress to open Sanderson Arcade in Morpeth Nov 11 2009 By The Journal A NEW £32m office development in a Northumberland market town is being opened by one of Britain’s best-loved TV personalities. Joanna Lumley OBE will be cutting the ribbon at Morpeth’s new Sanderson Arcade development at the official opening tomorrow. She was recently awarded the Most Inspiring Public Figure Award in the Pride of Britain Awards for the way she has championed the cause of Gurkhas’ rights. Her father, Major James Rutherford Lumley, served with the Gurkhas. The actress and presenter is best-known for her roles in The New Avengers, Sapphire and Steel and Absolutely Fabulous. Mark Dransfield managing director of Dransfield Properties and Morpeth II, the company behind the development, said: "We are delighted Joanna Lumley is opening the new Arcade. "She’s already told us that she is really looking forward to seeing Sanderson Arcade and doing a bit of Christmas shopping while she’s here! As well as 90,000 sq ft of new purpose-built retail space the development also houses high specification offices, a car park and bus interchange.

November 22nd, 2009, 03:47 AM	#7
Newcastle Historian Archivist Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Newcastle upon Tyne Posts: 1,922	Joanna Lumley opens Morpeth shopping Arcade Nov 13 2009 by Brian Daniel, Evening Chronicle ABSOLUTELY Fabulous – that was the verdict of TV star Joanna Lumley as she opened a new North East shopping development. Joanna, who played shopaholic Patsy in the hit BBC series, cut the ribbon at Morpeth’s new £32m Sanderson Arcade yesterday. Planning for the shopping mall began six years ago and work started in July 2008. The Edwardian-style arcade with landscaped piazza boasts 90,000sq ft of retail space. It hosts Marks & Spencer, Fat Face, New Look, Waterstones and Laura Ashley, as well as a number of local firms. The development also has a new transport interchange and modern office space. The opening ceremony was attended by hundreds of people, including a host of local dignitaries. Joanna, who has been awarded an OBE and championed the rights of Ghurka soldiers, thrilled the crowd with a “cheers sweeties” – her Ab Fab character’s catchphrase – and by describing the development as “absolutely fabulous”. She joked that Patsy would have used Jennifer Saunders’ character Edina’s credit card to “shop the place dry”. Joanna, who has also starred in The New Avengers, said: “I think this was most stupendous achievement, particularly as it wasn’t ready until this morning! “It is my first visit to Morpeth and it will not be my last. I am utterly thrilled to be here, there is something extraordinary about the people, the way the river runs through it, and sometimes over it! “This is going to be a huge success. It is just fabulous. It sits so beautifully within the town.” Mark Dransfield, managing director of scheme developer Dransfield Properties and Morpeth II, said: “I think the day has gone unbelievably well. “I cannot believe how many people Joanna attracted and how well respected she is. “We are very honoured that she came here to do the opening today. We are looking forward to many years here in Morpeth.” Mayor of Morpeth Ken Brown said: “The development is fantastic, Morpeth has been waiting a long time to have the centre developed. Joanna Lumley is just fabulous – it has felt bigger than a royal visit. “Clearly the people of Morpeth are very excited about the development and the visit of Joanna Lumley, with the excellent civil rights work she has done and the work she has done with the Ghurkas. “She is an absolutely perfect choice for someone to open it.” One special guest was 91-year-old Jenner Swinney, whose late father William Sanderson planned and built the original Sanderson’s Arcade, which was demolished to make way for the new scheme. Jenner, who lives near Livingston in Scotland, was at the opening of the old site, by the then Duke of Northumberland, with her dad on August 18, 1954. She said: “There was an awful lot of spectators but nothing like today. This is incredible. I think it is a wonderful development. “My dad would have been thrilled that they have kept the name. It is a lovely touch.”

November 25th, 2009, 10:24 PM	#10
elliott Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 423	That looks really good, reminds me of a recent-ish development in Kendal. __________________ Cape Town Olympic Games 2016/2020 supporter

January 20th, 2010, 12:20 PM	#11
Newcastle Historian Archivist Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Newcastle upon Tyne Posts: 1,922	How do we regenerate tired high streets Jan 20 2010 by Peter McCusker, The Journal THE trend in 2009 was one of belt-tightening by retailers as ever-more financially burdened shoppers sought value while at the same time spending. However bleak this sounds, there are opportunities arising for the region’s main retail pitches across our market towns and main cities. Uppermost as an example is the recent opening of the Sanderson Arcade in Morpeth. This is the clearest demonstration of how a well-planned shopping centre can dovetail with an existing retail pitch. It has brought an excellent covered mall with new retailers such as Marks & Spencer to this county town. It demonstrates how the fabric and general environment of a retail location must be constantly re-appraised to ensure it remains attractive. Morpeth looks good, its broad streets are attractive – it has always been a pleasure to visit. Now it is better with much more parking, a bus station that links directly to the Sanderson Arcade and a sophisticated style that is appealing. Another strong location is Cramlington but despite a large catchment in a home-owners’ paradise it lacks the style of Morpeth and is in so much need of redevelopment. That however is now some way off as a result of the recession.

January 20th, 2010, 10:47 PM	#12
AngerOfTheNorth Architecture Student Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Newcastle upon Tyne/Amsterdam Posts: 671	Is it me or does the lettering above the entrance of that Sanderson Arcade remind you of the lettering for Sanderson Young estate agents? Anyone know if there's a link? Whoever Sanderson is/was, they must surely have (had) some money...

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