Work is to begin within weeks on a much-anticipated £15 million retail development in the heart of Burntwood, Staffordshire.
LCP, one of the UK’s leading commercial property and investment companies, has been given the go ahead to develop the site of the former Olaf Johnson factory site, Cannock Road.
Nick Burgess, managing director of LCP, which is based in Pensnett, West Midlands, said he was pleased that it could begin work on developing the 68,000 sq ft retail park, comprising a minimum of nine units and a drive-through, along with approximately 300 car parking spaces.
“Putting these long-awaited plans into action signifies a very exciting start to 2018,” he said. “We are looking forward to starting construction of this scheme, which will be a real boost for the Burntwood community and a significant investment for LCP.
“We’ve worked very closely with Lichfield District Council, Staffordshire County Council and Burntwood Town Council to ensure our plans match their vision for a retail scheme that adds to the town’s vibrancy and now we are looking forward to seeing the diggers on site.”
Work is expected to start in February, with an anticipated completion date at the end of 2019. No anchor tenants have yet been confirmed but talks are at an advanced stage with a number of parties.
Nick said building work will not affect local residents on the nearby Chase Terrace housing development because access roads are already in place.
Councillor Ian Pritchard, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Environment & Development Services, has welcomed the news that work is due to start on site next month.
He said: “This development will make such a difference to Burntwood, bringing around 70,000 square feet of new retail space to the town centre. We worked hard behind the scenes to help free up the privately owned land so this important development could go ahead. We’re pleased to be working with LCP, who share our vision for improving Burntwood for the whole community, and we look forward to work starting on site in February and to seeing the exciting development take shape.”
Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Mark Winnington, said: “Development of this former industrial land will be a real boost for Burntwood and add to its retail offer. This has come about as a result of close working between the county, district and town councils and will support the ongoing regeneration of the town. The development will also see more local job creation. It is a county council priority to work with our partners to ensure our economic growth continues and town centre regeneration plays an important part in this. We look forward to seeing building work get under way.”
Councillor Doug Pullen, Leader of Burntwood Town Council, added: “This is a significant investment in Burntwood by LCP, which demonstrates their confidence in our town. There has been a huge amount of effort involved in getting this development up and running and I am extremely grateful to all those involved thus far. The additional retail and employment opportunities will be a boon for Burntwood and its residents; we look forward to work starting soon.”