Oswestry

An outline planning permission has recently been secured on the towns’ Livestock Market site, and it is proposed that a reserved matters application will shortly be submitted that will propose a comprehensive mixed use development over a 36 acre site.

Stage I will require the relocation and redevelopment of the Livestock Market to a new position within the site to offer a rationalised operation that will help secure the longevity of this market in Oswestry.

Stage II comprises a commercial retail and leisure development featuring a new food store, non-food retail, five screen multiplex cinema, restaurants and a drive through restaurant and offices.

It is hoped that Stage I works will be commenced before mid 2012, with a target completion date of Stage II late 2013, early 2014.

The scheme will also include a free shuttle bus serving the town together with a community park and ride.

Bridgnorth

Detailed Planning Consent for a food store has been achieved on part of a former School site off Stourbridge Road, Bridgnorth.

Mercian has agreed to this site from Persimmon Homes, who have recently secured residential consent on the balance of the property.

Mercian have agreed terms with Aldi Gmbh, and the development of a new food store on the site will shortly be commenced with completion target Autumn 2012.

Shrewsbury

Mercian is continuing to make planning representations on a site of 14 acres adjacent to the Meole Brace Retail Park.

In a joint venture with Diageo Pension Fund (landowner), Mercian is looking to promote a mixed use development which could comprise food retail, non-food retail and leisure development, and would include a new major junction arrangement to assist with local infrastructure improvement.

The site is recognised in Shropshire’s Core Strategy Plan as an opportunity site for development, as it features in an area of considerable growth potential for the town.

Leeds

Mercian has recently commenced on site with the construction of a 7,000 sq ft retail terrace comprising a 4,000 sq ft convenience food store let to Co-op, and three adjacent units. The works are expected to be completed in March 2012, and once complete the development will be retained as part of Mercian’s steadily increasing property portfolio.

Cardigan

The successful promotion of a planning application on an area of land known as Bath House, will shortly see the completion of a significant infrastructure project, which will provide Cardigan with a new link road from the town centre.
This new link road will open up a 50 acre site for development.
Sainsbury’s Stores will shortly be commencing with the construction of a new store and non-food retail development on a constructed plateau.

The development of Bath House has already delivered a residential development serving the frail elderly, and it is also proposed that Cardigan Cottage Hospital will be relocated here.

St Austell

Mercian is currently working on a masterplan to promote the development of a 100 acre site, known as Coyte Farm, which is situated on the outskirts of St Austell. Representations on planning are being made for the comprehensive development of the site, which will deliver Transformational Change for the town, in direct response to a recent ‘Call for Sites’ exercise by Cornwall Council.

The site is subdivided by the A390, which will be diverted with a new interchange constructed, allowing the land to the South and the North to be serviced, giving Cornwall Highways the opportunity to deliver their long term aspirations of highway improvements in the area.

A planning application to promote a masterplan approach is being developed, this will include a 110,000 sq ft food store, 90,000 sq ft non-food retail, hotel and restaurant, 30 acres of low density residential development improvements to the local school and church.

Looe

Mercian in conjunction with Tesco Stores Limited is to promote a detailed planning application for a new 25,000 sq ft net food store with petrol filling station and 3.5 acre residential development for a local Housing Association.

Conisbrough

Mercian is promoting the site of the former Earth Centre (now redundant) for the development of a new food store, with a residential development on the balance of the site. Mercian is working on behalf of HSBC Property Division.

It is proposed that a detailed planning application will be submitted early 2012, and works will involve a new junction highway, and improvements to a bridge crossing a railway.

Liskeard

Mercian is currently working up a non-food retail scheme which also incorporates a new doctors practice. The development would create between 4 and 5 new retail units ranging between 5,000 – 20,000 sq ft surrounding a new town centre car park.
This will provide Liskeard with a major retail scheme promoting much needed investment and employment for the town.

Tavistock

Mercian is currently working up a masterplan proposal for delivering a 40 acre mixed use scheme, comprising retail, employment, health & leisure, together with Phase I of a proposed town by-pass.

The Future

Mercian has several exciting new projects in the pipeline involving a number of food development opportunities throughout England and Wales. The Company is particularly active in the South West and Midlands, and is exploring new sites in the North.

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

Recent acquisitions have included: -

- Retail investment Great Darkgate Street, Aberystwyth
- Retail and Office investment Llangefni, Anglesey
- Retail investment George Street, Pontypool
- Retail investment Swarcliffe, Leeds