Work to begin on stalled Stratford Retail and Leisure Scheme

Posted on 6 November, 2014 by Kirsten Kennedy

During the recession, a number of development schemes around the country stalled due to a lack of funding. Now, as the recovery continues to intensify, a growing number of these projects are restarting, including a £30 million retail and leisure development in Stratford-upon-Avon town centre.

Royal Shakespeare Company Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England

Although a number of proposals for the regeneration of the town centre have been put forward in the past decade or so, the recession halted any progress which may have been made in the years since 2008. However, property development and investment firm UK & European has now stepped in and, after successfully purchasing Stratford Town Square, has confirmed work will begin early next year.

The scheme will see around 30 new retail units, along with a number of restaurants and leisure facilities, delivered as a means of making Stratford a key competitor for consumer spending in the local area. Altogether, it will provide more than 50,000 sq ft of new retail space along with a multiplex cinema to be occupied by a major national brand.

Finance and physical resources portfolio officer at Stratford-upon-Avon District Council, Councillor Lynda Organ, welcomed the news that the long-awaited regeneration will finally be put into action next year.

She said; “The regeneration of Stratford Town Square has been stalled for a number of years now so it is fantastic news that UK & European has purchased the site and is set to begin the transformation of the area into a welcoming and attractive retail and leisure destination.”

UK & European will act as investment manager for the scheme and currently owns the lease for Stratford Town Square, which it purchased earlier this year from London & Regional Properties. However, the development firm will involve both the local community and the council in all plans, as two thirds of the Square is owned by Stratford District Council and the remaining third by the Stratford Town Trust.

Acquisitions director at UK & European, Jane Jeffery, believes the site will prove successful in attracting new retailers and leisure operators to the town.

She says; “Our aim is to create a new high quality shopping and leisure destination in Stratford town centre that attracts people both living and visiting the area, by bringing a renewed vibrancy to the site.

“We expect work to start on the site next year and are already in talks with a number of retailers and restaurant operators who are interested in occupying some of the available units at Stratford Town Square.”




Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.


Recent Posts

Interest Rates Impact on Commercial Property

Commercial Property Investment Outlook for 2023

The best places to stay on the Riviera

The latest property data has identified Newquay as the fastest property seller’s market in the UK

Investing in your garden can increase your property’s value

French Riviera temping high-end homebuyers

How can the ownership rights of my commercial property impact a business sale?

Should I incorporate virtual property viewings permanently?

Investment expected to increase across Asia-Pacific in 2021

UK property industry slows as the conclusion of tax break looms

BNP Paribas cautioned investors on Friday as debt-trading bonanza that increased its earnings this past year

Over 300,000 property purchases fell through in 2020 – we show the most frequent motives and the best way to get your house sale back on track

House Prices in the Capital Surpass £500,000

Optimism from the Bank of England’s chief economist

The most expensive commercial properties.

Businesses operating from shared premises will miss out on grants