Aberystwyth

Having already completed both food and non food retail developments in Aberystwyth, and with more planned for the future, Mercian has enjoyed a long and successful association with the town.

Completed schemes include Rheidol Retail Park comprising Argos, Iceland, Lidl and Bewise, and the Ystwyth Retail Park comprising Matalan, Somerfield, Pets at Home, Brantano and Peacocks. Working in conjunction with the principal tenant, a planning application will also shortly be submitted in respect of a recently acquired retail investment in Great Darkgate Street.

Demonstrating its keenness to support Aberystwyth which was recently approved by the Welsh Assembly as a Strategic Regeneration Area that will attract grants for improvement and redevelopment, Mercian continues to look at other opportunities. It has identified a number of sites suitable for development. A proposal has been submitted on the Mill Street Car Park site, in accordance with the Council’s wishes to see it developed as a mixed use scheme as part of A Pre Qualification phase.

Telford - Snedshill

After clearing the former Snedshill Industrial Estate site in Telford, Mercian has commenced construction of a £10 million regeneration scheme. The site has been aptly renamed ‘The Gateway’ to reflect its geographic importance on the edge of Telford Town Centre.

The development comprises a 31,500 sq ft Wickes DIY store and a 16,770 sq ft Aldi store due for completion by the end of 2010, with retailers expected to commence trading by Easter 2011.

Cardigan

Mercian has successfully obtained outline Planning Consent for a comprehensive 35 acre mixed use development at Bath House to promote a food store, non-food retail, relocation of the town’s Hospital, new Doctor’s Surgery and Medical Centre.

The enabling works package which started in early Summer includes a new relief road for the town, and Mercian will create a plateau for the retail development. The new relief road will assist Cardigan's future traffic flows as the town expands.

Mercian has now concluded a sale of the food store site to Sainsburys Stores Limited and is currently working on Phase l of the development to be completed by the end of 2010.

Further applications are proposed on the site on behalf of the Hospital Trust and local doctors, together with proposals for a non-food retail development on the balance of the retail site.

Morpeth

Mercian continues to promote a planning application jointly with Tesco Stores Limited in respect of a new food store.

The site was originally acquired by Mercian who achieved planning consent for a non-food retail scheme before later agreeing terms to sell the site on to Tesco for development as a food retail scheme.

Whitchurch

Mercian is currently investigating an opportunity to promote a new food store on an edge of centre location in Whitchurch.

The development will also see the relocation and improvement of a local sports field and community facility.

Oswestry

In October 2008 Mercian submitted an outline planning application for the redevelopment of Oswestry Livestock Market after being appointed in a Tripartite Agreement with Oswestry Town Council and Oswestry Cattle Auctions. The application is currently pending a final Planning Committee decision following a deferral by the Committee in.Spring 2010.

This exciting £56 million mixed use scheme will not only secure the long term future of livestock trading in this North Shropshire market town, but will also improve the commercial economy of Oswestry and create more than 800 new jobs, as well as providing a much needed evening leisure facility for the town.

The scheme proposes the rationalisation of the Livestock Market operation itself, to increase its economic viability, meet market trends and comply with new operating regulations. A new development will be created on the balance of the site to create a 35,000 sq ft national net store for a national food retailer, petrol filling station, 3 non-food retail units totalling 40,000 sq ft, a 5-screen 20,000 sq ft multiplex cinema, 3 family restaurants, 21,000 sq ft of modern office space and more than 800 car parking spaces.

Cine UK has already committed to the site and one of the restaurants is under offer with the other two attracting serious interest. Interest has been registered by two national food retailers, and DIY operator.

Mercian will be providing a free shuttle bus link from the site to the town centre and a community park & ride scheme will also operate.

Prestatyn

Mercian was successful in partnering Tesco to complete a site assembly and secure detailed planning consent for a new food store. Work on the new store is expected to commence shortly.

Bridgnorth

Mercian has agreed terms to acquire a parcel of land off Persimmon Homes on which a planning application will be submitted on behalf of Aldi Gmbh to complete the promotion of a comprehensive mixed use development for non-food in Bridgnorth. In addition Mercian is currently investigating a further retail opportunity in the town and hopes to submit an application later this year.

Shrewsbury

In a joint venture with the landowners, Diageo Pension Fund (part of the Guinness Trust), Mercian has been appointed to promote a strategic site at Meole Brace through the planning forum. This 14 acre site adjacent to the established and popular Meole Brace Retail Park and Park & Ride is now recognised in the town strategy as an appropriate growth area for the town’s expansion in terms of both retail and employment. Having identified two occupiers for this strategic location, Mercian is currently preparing a planning application.

Leeds

Mercian has secured a site in a growing northern suburb of Leeds to promote a Local District centre comprising a Co-op convenience food store and a retail shopping parade of three additional units. Work is shortly to commence on site. The completed development will be retained by Mercian as part of its Investment Portfolio.

The Future

Mercian has several exciting new projects in the pipeline involving a number of food retail developments throughout England and Wales. The company is particularly active in the Midlands and Staffordshire area with new opportunities being sought in the south west.

In addition Mercian is looking to invest in its property portfolio as the current economic downturn has brought forward new opportunities.

Recent acquisitions have included:
- Retail and office investment Great Darkgate Street, Aberystwyth
- Retail and office investment Llangefni
- Retail investment George Street, Pontypool
- Retail investment Swarcliffe, Leeds