The Academy of Urbanism has awarded Corby the coveted title of Great Town in is 2018 Urbanism Awards. Corby beat off competition from fellow finalists Coventry and Milton Keynes to win its category in the awards which celebrate great placemaking.
Europa Capital and Sovereign Centros’ 800,000 sq ft Corby Town Shopping and Willow Place development formed a key part in convincing judges of the town’s credentials in urban regeneration and renewal.
Corby was announced as Best Town at an awards ceremony in London on 8 November after academy members judged it on criteria including leadership and governance, local character, amenities, connectivity, commercial success & viability.
The awards are now in their 12th year and have won significant kudos amongst those involved in urban regeneration. The Academy of Urbanism visited and assessed 150 destinations across the UK, Ireland and Europe in its search for the very best urban environments.
The academy’s visit to Corby included a tour of Corby Town Shopping and Willow Place, an exemplar of mixed use urban development. The scheme is the town’s premier retail and leisure destination incorporating 146 retail units, together with offices and residential accommodation.
Constructed in 2007, the ambitious development is anchored by Primark, H&M, TK Maxx, Wilkinson and Boots. Other key tenants include River Island, New Look, Dorothy Perkins/Burton, JD Sports, Clarks, Costa Coffee and Peacocks.
The development, which was acquired by Sovereign Centros and Europa Capital in March 2015, has helped transform Corby town centre into a vibrant destination able to attract visitors from a wide catchment.
Following the closure of the steelworks in 1980, Corby struggled to adapt. Yet the town is now almost half way through its 30-year growth plan. Alongside projects such as the opening of the railway station, the new International Pool and the Corby Cube, Corby Town Shopping and Willow Place has helped give the town a new lease of life.
Sovereign Centros’ Simon Phipps said “We are delighted by the award and its recognition of Corby’s transformation. The fact that we are continuing to invest in the customer experience is testament to our commitment to the town centre as an attractive and successful urban environment.”
