Insider Media Limited

Regeneration specialist St Modwen has submitted a planning proposal for the development of Phoenix Retail Park in Stoke-on-Trent. The developer, which has also revealed its new chairman, has estimated that the refurbishment will bring £8m of investment and up to 160 jobs to the city.

Planning details for the Longton site includes five new retail units totalling 42,100 sq ft plus mezzanine areas, together with a restaurant with a 'drive-thru' and parking for 233 cars. The site has an existing planning consent for a retail DIY store.

Lettings have been agreed with McDonald’s for the restaurant, and retailers Smyths Toys and Pets@Home to occupy a 15,000 sq ft and 7,500 sq ft unit respectively. The company said it was also in discussions with other parties for the remaining retail units which range from 5,100 to 7,500 sq ft.

Euan Lindsay, senior development manager for Birmingham-based St. Modwen, said: “Development of the former Phoenix Timber site is long overdue and this latest application has been submitted with the intention of stimulating new development and investment in Longton by bringing forward a scheme which has significant occupier interest.

"We believe this new planning application better reflects the current marketplace and the kind of development which we can bring forward in Longton with positive impact on the town and benefit for the local community.”

It is anticipated that Phoenix Retail Park will deliver up to 160 new jobs in the local community, with opportunities for flexible full and part time working. The McDonald’s restaurant alone is expected to bring up to 100 new job opportunities.

Subject to planning approval, St Modwen anticipates construction beginning on site at Phoenix Retail Park in early 2011 with completion ready for occupiers to take advantage of the Christmas trading period.

The developer has also announced a change to its board line-up. Bill Shannon has been appointed as a non-executive director and chairman designate.

Shannon, who is currently chairman at life insurance company Aegon UK, will take up the position on 1 November.

Anthony Glossop, the Birmingham-based regeneration specialist’s current chairman, is stepping down from the role after 40 years.

Shannon joined Aegon in 1997 as a non-executive director, before becoming chairman in 2005.

He is also non-executive director of Johnson Service Group, Rank Group and Barratt Developments. Shannon said he plans to resign from his position at Barratt at its upcoming board meeting.

Glossop said: “I am delighted to welcome Bill to the board and as my successor, he brings with him extensive management experience across a range of publicly listed and private companies. His long and successful career at Whitbread, where he managed a vast property portfolio and his time at Barratt Developments, provide him with an excellent grounding as chairman of St Modwen. I am confident that he will be a huge asset to the company.”