Stafford

Since completion of Phase l of the 100,000 sq ft non-food retail scheme in February 2007, B&Q, Comet, SCS, Argos , Maplins, Sleepmaster and Frankie & Bennys have taken occupation and are trading.

Construction of the second part of Phase ll of the Hough Retail Park in Stafford is due to complete in December 2008, comprising two family restaurants and 62-bed hotel accommodation. Occupiers will include Travelodge, KFC and Pizza Hut.

The balance of the site will be developed as a small office and kiosk scheme and full completion of Phase lll is expected by Autumn 2009. Phases l and ll have been acquired by Albermarle Stafford LLP.

Aberystwyth

Continued property development is a testament to Mercian's long term commitment to the area which began with the development of the highly successful Rhiedol Retail Park in the mid 1990's.

In an exciting joint venture project with the local authority Mercian has recently completed a second development with a non-food retail scheme at Ystwyth Retail Park . Funded by Liverpool Victoria Friendly Society and completed in two stages during 2006 and 2007, Phase l is let to Somerfield, Peacocks, Brantano and Pets at Home , with Phase II let to Matalan.

A third development is being prepared for the Mill Street Car Park site, which will accommodate a combination of fashion retailers, none of which are represented in Aberystwyth at present.

The scheme will also incorporate a 64-bed hotel for Travelodge above the retail units, and a five storey multi-deck car park to the rear. An integral part of the scheme will be the relocation and upgrading of an existing Social Services Day Care Centre to another part of the site.

Planning proposals for the third development are scheduled for submission by Summer 2009.

Telford

Having achieved detailed planning consent with specific emphasis on design to reflect the importance of this “gateway site”, Mercian has now completed demolition work on the Snedshill Industrial site at Telford, which has aptly been renamed “The Gateway”.

Planning consent for 52,000 sq ft has been secured, in which representation by one of the UK 's largest DIY retailers, Wickes, is proposed.

Cardigan

Mercian achieved planning consent for a 35 acre mixed use development at Bathhouse but, following discussions with planning and other interested parties, a revised application is proposed to reflect minor changes to the original scheme. The new application will be submitted jointly between Mercian and The Hospital Trust.

The 70,000 sq ft retail scheme comprises a 50,000 sq ft food store plus 22,000 sq ft non-food on a retail park, and incorporates a new estate road together with the relocation and long term security of the town's hospital, a new GP Surgery and a retirement village

New improved access will be formed to the fire station, industrial park and a proposed sports playing field. For the further benefit of the community the scheme also includes the creation of a wild life park.

The new proposal has been supported by the Hospital Trust and local GPs. To date, occupancy interest has been received from a number of food retailers and national non-food retailers as well as from a nursing home operator. Social Services will be providing accommodation for the frail elderly.

Morpeth

Mercian acquired a 3.5 acre site at Coopies Way , and planning consent has been achieved for a new 25,000 sq ft DIY store. An adjacent site has been acquired , and additional opportunities are now being considered.

Wombourne

Mercian acquired a redundant industrial site which had lain unoccupied for nine years, and successfully achieved detailed planning consent for a 38,000 sq ft food store for Sainsburys. This will be the first large food store for the Borough of South Staffordshire , providing at least 250 jobs for the area as well as a shuttle bus service and cafeteria.

The scheme has had huge public support and will prevent residents having to travel outside the area to undertake their main food shop as well as preventing leakage of trade from Wombourne village. To further safeguard the long term prospects of local traders, and as part of its commitment to the local community, Mercian has instructed the development of an All the Little Shops website. This unique e-commerce facility enables traders to display their goods and services and to sell online, whilst customers can purchase goods from any number of traders and conveniently pay with one single secure transaction.

Whitchurch

A 7,000 sq ft property owned by Mercian and redeveloped for retail use, has now been let to fashion retail outlet, The Original Factory Shop, which has 73 outlets nationally. The scheme underpins that end of the High Street and strengthens other local trade.

Mercian is also currently considering an exciting new project for Whitchurch which is retail and leisure led.

Oswestry

At the beginning of October Liberty Mercian Ltd 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.

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

The scheme proposes the rationalisation of the livestock 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 promote a 40,000 sq ft national net store for a national food retailer, 6 pump petrol station, 4 non food retail units totalling 41,000 sq ft, a 5-screen 20,000 sq ft multiplex cinema, 3 family restaurants, 15,000 sq ft of modern office space, 6,000 sq ft dental surgery and 824 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. Liberty Mercian will be providing a free shuttle bus link from the site to the town centre and a commuter park & ride scheme will operate every day but on the Wednesday market day. Liberty Mercian will also provide an All the Little Shops e-commerce website facility for the benefit of local independent retailers and to encourage footfall into the town centre.

Prestatyn

Final negotiations on a Planning Consent for a Tesco food store have been completed following a complex site assembly. Work on the new store began Summer 2008, with completion expected early 2009.

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, with the most advanced project being a 15 acre site in Shrewsbury which is currently being prepared for planning. In a joint venture with landowners the project will involve the creation of an employment, retail and leisure park.