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The Rock | Bury | 1.6 million sq ft

91K views 220 replies 41 participants last post by  markydeedrop 
#1 ·
With ‘The Rock’, a £350 million project being delivered in partnership with Bury Metropolitan Borough Council, Thornfield aims to bring vitality back to a run-down area of Bury town centre. The forward-thinking scheme will deliver over 1.5 million sq ft, including retail, leisure, restaurants and residential accommodation and a 1,250-space multi-storey car park. One of the other major improvements also to be delivered by Thornfield, is a new 40,000 sq ft medical centre offering 24-hour care for local residents. Completion of the commercial element of The Rock is forecast for summer 2010.

Partnership

Working with partners Bury Metropolitan Council, we embraced the views of the local community, embarking on a full-blown nine-month consultation period. This approach enabled us to deliver a detailed policy document, outlining our plans to key officers and members of the Council. New anchor stores, an exciting new leisure quarter and a significant number of new homes were all key features of our proposals. Our scheme also promised to deliver distinctive new buildings and urban spaces to improve the look of the town and, in doing so, restore a sense of local pride.

Retail

The scheme will deliver 500,000 sq ft of retail space, anchored by two large department stores for Debenhams (103,000 sq ft) and Marks and Spencer (75,000 sq ft). There will be a number of large double-height, flagship units ranging from 10,000 - 20,000 sq ft each, two of which have been pre-let to Next and River Island. There will be a further 50 standard shop units.

Leisure

The new leisure quarter, which will total 100,000 sq ft, will include a stunning new 10-screen cinema, pre-let to Vue, alongside other family entertainment facilities such as a 25-lane ten pin bowling unit, pre-let to AMF, a 20,000 sq ft Bingo unit and 8 family themed restaurants, including one already pre-let to Pizza Express. When complete, the development will provide a colourful and accessible evening destination, reclaiming custom from isolated leisure parks and bringing family based evening activity back into the town centre.

Housing

In line with government policy and the desires of the Council and wider local community, the scheme will include a significant residential component. 397 new apartments will interweave with the commercial scheme, bringing a greater integration of the community within the town centre.





























Associated Development









For comparison, Bury's existing shopping centre





All pictures taken 06/09/08

http://www.thornfieldproperties.co.uk/index.php
 
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#2 ·
With ‘The Rock’, a £350 million project being delivered in partnership with Bury Metropolitan Borough Council, Thornfield aims to bring vitality back to a run-down area of Bury town centre. The forward-thinking scheme will deliver over 1.5 million sq ft, including retail, leisure, restaurants and residential accommodation and a 1,250-space multi-storey car park. One of the other major improvements also to be delivered by Thornfield, is a new 40,000 sq ft medical centre offering 24-hour care for local residents. Completion of the commercial element of The Rock is forecast for summer 2010.

Partnership

Working with partners Bury Metropolitan Council, we embraced the views of the local community, embarking on a full-blown nine-month consultation period. This approach enabled us to deliver a detailed policy document, outlining our plans to key officers and members of the Council. New anchor stores, an exciting new leisure quarter and a significant number of new homes were all key features of our proposals. Our scheme also promised to deliver distinctive new buildings and urban spaces to improve the look of the town and, in doing so, restore a sense of local pride.

Retail

The scheme will deliver 500,000 sq ft of retail space, anchored by two large department stores for Debenhams (103,000 sq ft) and Marks and Spencer (75,000 sq ft). There will be a number of large double-height, flagship units ranging from 10,000 - 20,000 sq ft each, two of which have been pre-let to Next and River Island. There will be a further 50 standard shop units.

Leisure

The new leisure quarter, which will total 100,000 sq ft, will include a stunning new 10-screen cinema, pre-let to Vue, alongside other family entertainment facilities such as a 25-lane ten pin bowling unit, pre-let to AMF, a 20,000 sq ft Bingo unit and 8 family themed restaurants, including one already pre-let to Pizza Express. When complete, the development will provide a colourful and accessible evening destination, reclaiming custom from isolated leisure parks and bringing family based evening activity back into the town centre.

Housing

In line with government policy and the desires of the Council and wider local community, the scheme will include a significant residential component. 397 new apartments will interweave with the commercial scheme, bringing a greater integration of the community within the town centre.
Translation:
Another town - same old shit.
 
#9 ·
Some updated news on the Rock. Renders and more information on the Rock website below article.

`Rock' is the high street of the future
KEVIN FEDDY

July 21, 2009

A £350m retail and leisure scheme in Greater Manchester was today highlighted in a national report as an example of innovation aimed at revitalising Britain's struggling high streets.

The Rock development in Bury will include Debenhams and Marks & Spencer stores and 60 other outlets, almost doubling the town's retail space.

It will also feature a 10-screen cinema, bowling alley, family entertainment centre, 400 apartments, restaurants, a town square and other public spaces, and a multi-storey car park for 1,250 vehicles.

A report by the British Retail Consortium, which warned that high streets must develop unique identities if they are to survive the recession, said the Rock scheme, which will open in summer 2010, is expected to significantly improve the vitality and viability of Bury town centre by providing good transport links, a better shopping and leisure selection and more family facilities. The report also focused on an initiative in Chester city centre to tackle the cost of parking. The city centre management team got agreements that two major car parks would be free after 3pm daily, which had a dramatic impact on visitor numbers.

The Rock development, which began in 2005, will move Bury 100 places up the top UK town centre rankings to 67th place, according to consultants.

Designed by Manchester studio BDP, the scheme will have a catchment of two million people within a 30-minute drive.

Today's BRC report said some shopping districts across the country have been so blighted by the collapse in consumer confidence that they are already recording empty property rates of 40 per cent. It said 12 per cent of town centre shops are now vacant, three times more than last autumn.

The BRC unveiled a 20-point plan to turn around the fortunes of ailing town centres, urging a focus on local character as well as creating attractive and safe environments to entice shoppers.

"It is clear that in many places, recession is accelerating a trend of decline that was already under way," the BRC said. It said some high streets may never recover.

Vacant premises are forecast to more than double from seven per cent at the start of 2009, to around 15 per cent by the end of the year, with some areas suffering far higher rates.

But while the report will appeal to those long opposed to so-called "clone towns", the BRC said successful towns should provide a mix of "familiar and popular brands" as well as independent retailers.

Indeed, it said in smaller town centres, "anchor stores" such as supermarkets would be key to attracting shoppers and thereby support other stores.
http://www.therockbury.com/
 
#12 ·
Thornfield arm in administration

Thornfield Ventures Limited, a holding company of HBOS backed developer Thornfield Properties, has been placed into administration.

Phil Bowers and Angus Martin of Deloitte were today appointed joint administrators to the non-trading holding company within the Thornfield Capital Limited group of companies.

The appointment is not to the Thornfield Bury companies, nor any Thornfield Capital Limited group company, including Thornfield Properties, the group’s main operating company which is 50% owned by Bank of Scotland.

However, Deloitte has appointed Hammerson to complete the development of Thornfield Properties’ biggest scheme, The Rock, shopping centre in Bury, Lancashire which is still under construction.

The 1.6m sq ft scheme, backed by £280m of Bank of Scotland funding is set to complete in the summer.

Phil Bowers, partner in the reorganisation services practice at Deloitte, said: “We are working closely with all stakeholders to support the completion of Bury and maximise the potential of the other development schemes.

“It has been agreed by all parties that Hammerson, a leading European development and asset management partner has been appointed to deliver the completion and opening of Bury and will also be supporting the joint administrators in evaluating the other schemes in the portfolio.”

 
#14 · (Edited)
The Rock plus other Bury developments

All pictures taken today (30/01/2010):

The Rock
http://www.therockbury.com/









New Bury Police Headquarters
http://www.askbury.co.uk/news-featu...5/works-progress-on-chamberhall-business-park







Bury Transport Museum (work continuing to fit this out)
http://burytransportmuseum.org.uk/





Bury Fusiliers Museum (now complete)
http://www.mikebooth2009.com/







Knowsley Place (previously Townside) - new health centre, Premier Inn, office block, residential element and underground parking facilities.
http://www.askdevelopments.com/projects/details/10802











 
#17 ·
Retailers get a preview of Rock development



THE massive £350 million Rock Triangle development in Bury is becoming a marketing mecca.

An exclusive retailer open day introduced a clutch of national retailers to view the site.

The 506,000 sq ft retail and leisure development, which is due to open its doors in July, will be the only shopping centre outside of London to be completed in 2010.

The open day attracted 22 national and regional retailers to the site, including Arcadia, Cafe Nero, Starbucks, and JJB Sports. Following the tour, feedback from the retailers was described as “extremely positive”.

The development has so far recorded a high level of interest with major retailers, including Marks & Spencer, Debenhams, Primark and Next, already announcing they will be taking up space.

Richard Poyser, the assistant director of retail leasing for developers Hammerson said: “The level of interest from potential retailers demonstrates the significance of The Rock.”

http://www.burytimes.co.uk/news/5083174.Retailers_get_a_preview_of_Rock_development/
 
#18 ·
Vue gets keys to The Rock cinema

8 Apr 2010, 14:57

Hammerson has handed over the 10-screen cinema at The Rock in Bury to Vue Entertainment for final fit-out ahead of this summer's opening.

The 31,000 sq ft cinema, one if the main leisure anchor tenants at the £350m development, has capacity for 1,700 viewers and boasts three 3D screens.

Previously located at Park 66 on the outskirts of Bury town centre, Vue will relocate its screens to The Rock and will anchor the leisure offering of the new development, which is on schedule to open its doors this July.

Mark de Quervain, marketing director of Vue Entertainment, said: "We are incredibly excited about the opening of our new 10 screen cinema at The Rock. Vue is committed to providing something for everyone at the new cinema, with a wide range of cinema experiences and value options. This will include super comfortable VIP seats in every screen, incredible 3D film presentation, low priced 'Kids AM' films for young families, non-film content such as live music and sport, as well as the new VueXtreme thrill-seekers experience. With such a wide choice of entertainment located in such a wonderful location at The Rock, we expect this cinema to be a massive hit for visitors from local and the wider surrounding areas."

Guy Wells, development manager for The Rock, commented: "The positive impact of bringing a cinema [back] to the centre should not be underestimated and it is fantastic to have Vue Entertainment as part of The Rock. The leisure element is a vital part of the Rock and with the continued popularity of cinema combined with Vue's latest technology, we are confident of its success."

The Rock will total 1.6m sq ft and include anchor stores Debenhams, Marks & Spencer alongside Next and River Island.

Hammerson replaced Thornfield Properties as developer of The Rock in January after the scheme's funder, Halifax Bank of Scotland, put subsidiary Thornfield Ventures into administration.
http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/5821-vue-gets-keys-to-the-rock-cinema.html
 
#19 ·
Hammerson appoints RDPR for media relations work

23 Apr 2010, 10:54

Michael Hunt

Manchester-based public relations and marketing consultancy Roland Dransfield PR has won a PR account to handle the media relations on behalf of Hammerson for The Rock, the £350m retail and leisure scheme in Bury launching in the summer.

Catrin Morgan, property PR manager at Hammerson, said: "Roland Dransfield PR demonstrated real creativity alongside clear thinking. With a strong track record of working with developers on major projects we felt they were the best team to launch The Rock."

Lisa Morton, managing director of Roland Dransfield PR, added: "Securing this major B2B and consumer account with Hammerson UK Properties plc reinforces our proven track record in this sector. Hammerson is a very strong addition to our existing client portfolio and we are looking forward to working closely with such experts in retail development."

The Rock will total 1.6m sq ft and include anchor stores Debenhams, Marks & Spencer alongside Next and River Island, all due open in July. Vue is opening a ten-screen multiplex cinema and AMF a 24-lane bowling and family entertainment centre.

Hammerson replaced Thornfield Properties as developer of The Rock in January after the scheme's funder, Halifax Bank of Scotland, put subsidiary Thornfield Ventures into administration.

The scheme is aiming to complement the existing retail offer already present within Bury town centre.
http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/new...n-appoints-rdpr-for-media-relations-work.html
 
#20 ·
Pilsworth's Vue Cinema is moving to The Rock and the 'Ten Pin' Bowling Alley will soon face competition from AMF Bowling, also at the Rock, plus the new 'Premier Inn' opening at Townside will compete with the 'Travelodge'.

The Cinema, Bowling and Travelodge must bring in a significant percentage of the trade to the Park 66 restaurants and ASDA, as a lot of people go for something to eat or go shopping before/after a film/bowling. The restaurants at Pilsworth now face competition from so many restaurants in nearby Bury, Whitefield, Prestwich and Heywood, which didn't exist when Park 66 opened. I wonder what the plans are for Park66 after Vue.
 
#21 ·
JD takes space at The Rock

JD Sports Fashion (LSE: JD.) is taking space in its home town’s newest shopping development.

It has signed a lease at The Rock in Bury for a two level unit comprising a 9,250 sq ft JD Sports store and a 5,300 sq ft Bank fashion outlet at the gateway to the scheme.

The deal means that more than three quarters of the £350m scheme is now exchanged and in solicitors’ hands ahead of the launch on July 16.

JD, which has 530 stores in the UK, started off with its first ever store, then called John David Sports, in Bury in 1981 and the new store will be its second outlet in the town.

Richard Poyser, Hammerson assistant director retail leasing, said: “JD Sports and BANK are trading exceptionally well and both brands are a great additional to the centre’s high street fashion mix. We are making strong progress on securing tenants and reaching 75% let is an important milestone ahead of the opening this summer.“

Hammerson was brought in to complete the scheme in January after administrators were appointed at a holding company of the previous developer Thornfield Properties Plc.

The Rock’s tenants will include anchor stores Debenhams and Marks & Spencer alongside eight other flagship stores including Next, River Island, Peacocks, H&M and Primark. Leisure operators secured include Vue, AMF Bowling and Pizza Express.

http://www.crainsmanchesterbusiness.co.uk/article/20100429/FREE/100429860
 
#23 ·
The Rock is still going strong with 7 new retailers on board

04 May, 2010

Over 32,000 sq ft of retail space has been signed up by retailers at The Rock in Bury. The new signings take the retail and leisure scheme to over three quarters let by space (exchanged and in solicitors’ hands) ahead of the launch on 16 July.

JD Sports and its fashion chain Bank is opening a two-level flagship store comprising a 9,250 sq ft. The retailer opened its first ever store (John David Sports) in Bury in 1981 and the new store will act as the gateway to the scheme.

The other five signings at The Rock are all new retail brands to Bury. Independent toy retailer The Entertainer has taken 4,000 sq ft, and international shoe retailer Deichmann will occupy 8,300 sq ft. The Perfume Shop has also signed up to occupy 510 sq ft.

Also joining the mix of high street favourites are two independent stores: high-end jewellers, Peter Jackson Jewellers, has taken 2,100 sq ft; and family owned retailer, Hurley, which stocks well-known brands such as Firetrap and G-Star, has taken 3,100 sq ft.

Hammerson took over The Rock development after its previous developer Thornfield Ventures Limited (TVL) went into administration earlier this year. Richard Poyser, Hammerson assistant director of retail leasing commented: “We are making strong progress on securing tenants and reaching 75% let is an important milestone ahead of the opening this summer. JD Sports and BANK are trading exceptionally well and being able to bring new retailers to the scheme is also important in confirming The Rock’s retail appeal within the region.”

The Rock’s retail offering includes anchor stores Debenhams and Marks & Spencer alongside eight other flagship stores including Next, River Island, Peacocks, H&M and Primark. Leisure operators secured include Vue, AMF Bowling and Pizza Express.
http://www.shopping-centre.co.uk/ne...ing_strong_with_7_new_retailers_on_board.html
 
#24 ·
Cult clothing brand signs up for The Rock

MAY 12, 2010

Fashion chain SuperGroup is to open the first standalone outlet in Greater Manchester for its Cult brand at The Rock, a £350m shopping and leisure development in Bury.

SuperGroup has taken an 11,000 sq ft unit and will stock its Superdry, SurfCo California and 77Breed brands.

The Superdry brand soared in popularity when David Beckham was spotted wearing one of its leather jackets.

The signing is the latest for The Rock, which is due to open on July 16. Retailers which have recently announced they will take space at the complex include JD Sports Fashion, toy chain The Entertainer, The Perfume Shop, shoe retailer Deichmann, jeweller Peter Jackson and fashion retailer Hurley. Debenhams and Marks & Spencer will be the anchor tenants.

Julian Dunkerton, chief executive of SuperGroup, which floated on the stock market in March, said: “Bury is a vibrant and exciting town and this means a huge amount to us. The Rock marks a significant milestone in our expansion, which continues to buck the overall trend.”

SuperGroup, which yesterday posted sales of £139m in the year to May 2, up 83 per cent, trades from 43 standalone stores in Britain, 56 concessions in House of Fraser department stores and has a wholesale business in 34 countries.

It said it expected to make a pre-tax profit of not less than £25.7m and expects to open 20 more stores nationwide this year.

Richard Poyser, assistant leading director of Hammerson, which is managing The Rock development, said: “Young fashion is continuing to stand out as a strong growth area with rising sales and impressive consumer demand.”

Jones Lang LaSalle acted for Cult on the letting.
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co...613_cult_clothing_brand_signs_up_for_the_rock
 
#26 · (Edited)
Final Countdown

New video just launched on the Bury Times website

http://www.burytimes.co.uk/news/8224007.It___s_the_final_countdown_at_the_Rock/

The Rock website has also been updated to show additional retailers (scroll bottom).

http://www.therockbury.com/index.html

A few retailers signed up that I don't think we currently have in Greater Manchester (flange will probably prove me wrong!)

Muffin Break

http://www.muffinbreak.com.au/UK-HOME/default.aspx

Barista

http://www.barista.co.in/users/index.aspx

Flaming Dragon

http://www.flaming-dragon.co.uk/

Cult

http://www.cult.co.uk/

Peter Jackson

http://www.peterjackson.co.uk/bury.html
 
#29 ·
New video just launched on the Bury Times website

http://www.burytimes.co.uk/news/8224007.It___s_the_final_countdown_at_the_Rock/

The Rock website has also been updated to show additional retailers (scroll bottom).

http://www.therockbury.com/index.html

A few retailers signed up that I don't think we currently have in Greater Manchester (flange will probably prove me wrong!)

Muffin Break

http://www.muffinbreak.com.au/UK-HOME/default.aspx

Barista

http://www.barista.co.in/users/index.aspx

Flaming Dragon

http://www.flaming-dragon.co.uk/

Cult

http://www.cult.co.uk/

Peter Jackson

http://www.peterjackson.co.uk/bury.html
All of them are new to Greater Manchester except Peter Jackson (Preston and Blackburn) and Muffin Break (Trafford Centre.)
 
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