£8m Longton retail park moves forward
Developer St Modwen has started building the new £8m Phoenix Retail Park in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent.
The project's first phase is intended to kick-start the wider redevelopment of the former Phoenix Timber Yard site, the developer said.
Plans include five new retail units totalling 42,100 sq ft, together with a McDonald's restaurant and drive-thru, with parking for 233 cars.
St Modwen received planning for the development in April this year. It said it has secured occupiers McDonald's, Pets at Home and Smyths Toys off-plan.
The developer said it is now undertaking initial site works in preparation for building construction to start at the end of the month (August). It is expected to complete works by spring 2012.
Euan Lindsay, senior development manager for St Modwen, said: "Development of the former Phoenix Timber Yard site has been a long time in the making and we are delighted to now be on-site and progressing delivery of this exciting new retail park for Longton.
"Securing retailers pre-construction is very encouraging in the present market and clearly demonstrates that the named occupiers have recognised both a market demand in the area and the retail park's excellent edge of centre position, coupled with prominent frontage to the A50."
