Hope i'm not stealing your thunder here jjb?
Apollo Ashton LP, owner of the Arcades Shopping Centre in Ashton-under-Lyne, Manchester has submitted ambitious plans to deliver a £40 million expansion programme.
The proposals, which will more than double the size of the centre by adding a further 16,722 m² (180,000 ft²) of net retail space, are set to significantly improve the retail offer by delivering the town's first major department store. The expansion programme would catapult Ashton into the UK’s top 100 shopping venues.
In conjunction with the development of the expansion plans, Apollo Ashton LP has also worked closely with the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) and Tameside MBC to incorporate a modern transport interchange next to the centre, to improve transport links for visitors to the town.
The expansion will enhance the economic vitality of Ashton by allowing it to compete with other neighbouring towns, which are improving their retail offer. The expansion is expected to create up to 500 new jobs in addition to the 520 people already employed at the Arcades.
The retail mix, which was recently boosted by the arrival of HMV and the imminent opening of Footlocker, will be improved further by the arrival of additional major high street retailers who will benefit from the pulling power of a large department store. Strong pre-letting interest from several major retailers indicates that there is a demand for further quality retail space in Ashton, where the delivery of new stores would create a strong foundation for the future economic success of the town.
The proposals are a further boost for Ashton’s economy following news that Ikea is to build a 22,296 m² (240,000 ft²) superstore opposite the shopping centre, bringing a further 500 job opportunities and new shoppers to the town when the store opens in October.
David Henderson-Williams, of Apollo Ashton LP said: "The proposed development will not only play a vital role in the future prosperity of the town by creating jobs and driving vital inward investment opportunities, it will provide improved choice for shoppers who may otherwise simply visit other towns in the area.
"We are currently in talks with a number of major multiple retailers who are attracted to the plans we have presented and I am encouraged by the positive response and support that we have so far received. The provision of a major anchor store will play a key role in Ashton’s ability to attract and retain retailers in the long term by increasing footfall in the town on the whole."
The outline planning application is based upon extensive discussions with Tameside MBC and GMPTE and the extension is scheduled to open in 2009.
Source: Apollo Ashton LP press release
Apollo Ashton LP, owner of the Arcades Shopping Centre in Ashton-under-Lyne, Manchester has submitted ambitious plans to deliver a £40 million expansion programme.
The proposals, which will more than double the size of the centre by adding a further 16,722 m² (180,000 ft²) of net retail space, are set to significantly improve the retail offer by delivering the town's first major department store. The expansion programme would catapult Ashton into the UK’s top 100 shopping venues.
In conjunction with the development of the expansion plans, Apollo Ashton LP has also worked closely with the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) and Tameside MBC to incorporate a modern transport interchange next to the centre, to improve transport links for visitors to the town.
The expansion will enhance the economic vitality of Ashton by allowing it to compete with other neighbouring towns, which are improving their retail offer. The expansion is expected to create up to 500 new jobs in addition to the 520 people already employed at the Arcades.
The retail mix, which was recently boosted by the arrival of HMV and the imminent opening of Footlocker, will be improved further by the arrival of additional major high street retailers who will benefit from the pulling power of a large department store. Strong pre-letting interest from several major retailers indicates that there is a demand for further quality retail space in Ashton, where the delivery of new stores would create a strong foundation for the future economic success of the town.
The proposals are a further boost for Ashton’s economy following news that Ikea is to build a 22,296 m² (240,000 ft²) superstore opposite the shopping centre, bringing a further 500 job opportunities and new shoppers to the town when the store opens in October.
David Henderson-Williams, of Apollo Ashton LP said: "The proposed development will not only play a vital role in the future prosperity of the town by creating jobs and driving vital inward investment opportunities, it will provide improved choice for shoppers who may otherwise simply visit other towns in the area.
"We are currently in talks with a number of major multiple retailers who are attracted to the plans we have presented and I am encouraged by the positive response and support that we have so far received. The provision of a major anchor store will play a key role in Ashton’s ability to attract and retain retailers in the long term by increasing footfall in the town on the whole."
The outline planning application is based upon extensive discussions with Tameside MBC and GMPTE and the extension is scheduled to open in 2009.
Source: Apollo Ashton LP press release
