Tesco has announced that the multi-million pound regeneration of the Swan Centre in Yardley has now been completed.
The landmark project, by Spenhill, the regeneration arm of Tesco, includes a new 80,000 sq ft Tesco Extra store, which is now open, together with 800 car parking spaces.
The Swan Centre also features 150,000 sq foot of high quality indoor retail space. Many of the 18 new stores have already let to retailers such as Costa Coffee, Phones 4 U, Specsavers, Timpsons and Greggs. The majority of retailers have already opened their doors to the public.
Bordered by Church Road and the A45 Coventry Road, the concrete-clad Swan Centre and its adjoining multi-storey car park were originally built in 196; however around the time of its closure in 2009, the Swan Centre had become one of Birmingham’s most iconic ‘eyesores’.
Jonathan Simpson, Tesco Corporate Affairs Manager, explained how the Swan Centre has been completely transformed. “Between April and August 2009, the dilapidated structure of the Swan Centre was demolished to make way for a brand new shopping centre,” Jonathan said. “It was envisaged that this this would retain the Swan Centre name, but would represent an exciting new era for shoppers in south east Birmingham.”
“Construction of the new centre got under way in August 2009; and with the build programme completed on time, we are delighted to be opening the doors to the new Swan Centre and Tesco Extra store today. As members of the public enjoy their first opportunity to take a look around, we hope that local pride is restored in the Swan Centre and that the local community continues to reap the benefits of the centre’s revitalisation for many years to come.”
The regeneration of the Swan Centre has resulted in the creation of 500 full and part-time jobs, with priority given to local job seekers and a number of positions offered to the long-term unemployed in the area.
Tesco has also committed to spending £3 million on improvements to local community facilities, including Oaklands Sports and Recreational Grounds. The funds will also be used to provide management services for sports and recreational facilities at the Henry Road Educational Fields.
Centre Manager, Barry Cartmell, has been working at the Swan for almost 15 years. He believes the new centre will help to boost the strong sense of community spirit that already exists in Yardley. Barry said: “What had once become a beacon for the demise of suburban shopping centres has now been given a new lease of life, and I am looking forward to playing a part in making the Swan the success story it deserves to be.”
“The new retail brands, including the Tesco Extra store, will provide a one-stop shop which will meet the needs of local residents. The mix of retailers and the convenient, family-friendly shopping experience will also attract custom from the wider surrounding areas, and this will put Yardley and the Swan Centre back on the map.”
The Swan Centre is open from 9am to 6pm, Monday – Saturday, and from 11am to 5pm on Sunday. Tesco Extra will be open from 7am to 11pm, Monday – Saturday, and from 11am to 5pm on Sunday.