Nuneaton town centre is a step closer to reaping the benefits of a huge development which will boost the local economy, bring more visitors to the town and introduce a modern library that promises an exciting new learning facility for people of the borough.
A preferred developer has now been appointed to bring forward the redevelopment of Vicarage Street that will bring about the transformation of the north of Nuneaton Town Centre. The vision was brought forward by Regal Property Group Ltd, who working in conjunction with Trebor Developments and Interserve Construction, was selected by the partnership between Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council and Warwickshire County Council following a competitive and thorough procurement process.
During the next phase the Councils will complete a development agreement with Regal, who will undertake consultation with stakeholders and members of the public on their vision prior to a planning application being submitted to the Council for consideration.
The Vicarage Street development will see the comprehensive multimillion pound redevelopment of this part of the town centre to provide a mixed use scheme that includes the land behind the Quick Fit garage, Justice Walk and Church Street Car Parks, the site of the former Magistrates Courts, the existing Library, Christadelphians Hall and former St Nicholas Church Hall. The exciting plans include retail, office, hotel, a replacement library and information centre and replacement multi-storey public car park and will be delivered on a phased basis to create several thousand square feet of accommodation.
The development offers enormous potential for the town and the borough. It will attract increased footfall to the town centre by improving the range of retail shopping choices, and by increasing the number of people employed in the town centre who will use the town’s facilities. It is possible that when completed, the total development could facilitate 1,500 new jobs. A hotel will also attract more visitors from outside the borough and present a real opportunity to expand the evening economy.
The Leader of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, Cllr Dennis Harvey, said: “The Vicarage Street development is at an exciting phase as we take this next step towards bringing it to fruition. The development will create new jobs and increase footfall to the town which is great news for the local economy and local community.”
Cllr Alan Cockburn, portfolio holder for economic development at Warwickshire County Council said: “This site has always been recognised as key to unlocking the economic potential of Nuneaton Town Centre. This is an important site which will help to bring new jobs to the town and enhance the whole environment which can only be good news for businesses, residents, and visitors alike.”
Mark Holbeche, Director of Regal, commented:
“We are delighted to have been selected for this exciting and prestigious project and look forward to working closely with the local authority partners to bring the development forward.”