Big names lined up for revamped retail park

Phase 1 of the work at the London Road retail park is nearing completion and the first tenants will begin fitting out their new stores next month.

Nick Alford, Property Director at LXB Retail Properties PLC, said, “We have secured a fantastic line up of well-known brands, including M&S, Next, H&M, River Island, Outfit, TK Maxx, Boots and New Look.

“Eighty five per cent of the scheme has already been pre-let and there are only four units still available.

“We are engaging in ongoing discussions with a number of retailers for all of the remaining units and are confident that the scheme will be fully occupied when phase 2 opens.”

While Clarks and Wilko were indicated on the retail park plan in the lettings brochure, Nick added that they had not committed to the development and other parties were now showing interest.

Pets at Home, Halfords, Bensons, Laura Ashley and Matalan will shortly be relocating to the new units to enable the old retail terrace to be demolished, ready for Phase 2 to start.

Argos is relocating into part of the existing Homebase store, which will remain, and the Homebase car park will be integrated into the new retail park next year.

Once fully completed in March 2016, the remaining tenants will take occupation and open for trade in summer 2016.

The scheme is expected to create up to 450 new jobs for the area.

Nick added: “Compared with the collection of tired, partly derelict, poorly laid out buildings that were there before, the new scheme will bring back vibrancy to the immediate area and adjoining business park and draw customers to Biggleswade from the surrounding area.  

“No other scheme in the area has a line-up of retail brands as strong as this and we are confident that it will prove to be a great success.”