BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
A £35 million scheme for the UK’s ‘first retail and lifestyle shopping centre’ has received planning permission.
Owner and developer Eagle One has ambitious plans for ‘IntoOutdoors’ which will combine a 45 unit retail centre with outdoor leisure pursuits and holiday lodges set within its 125 acres site fronting the River Avon.
Due for completion in summer 2014, the scheme will consist of 140,000sq ft of retail, restaurant, cafes and leisure space. A collection of 60 holiday lodges in a lakeside setting, two fishing lakes, cycle routes, outdoor exhibition and activity areas will complete the scheme that benefits from 1.5miles of frontage onto the River Avon.
“In a harsh economic climate, IntoOutdoors is a unique retail concept which offers an alternative to traditional and internet based retailing," said IntoOutdoors director Simon Tothill.
"We believe it will succeed by making the shopping experience a truly leisure based activity with IntoOutdoors designed to appeal to all age groups.
“A retail environment where you can ‘try before you buy’ is an intrinsic part of our offer, not only do consumers get a memorable hands-on shopping experience in an idyllic setting, but retailers benefit from showing products to their full potential.
“The £35million investment will lead to the creation of around 1,000 jobs and has been welcomed with open arms by the local community. Links to the nearby town of Evesham via water taxi, cycle path and a new bus service will ensure the development attracts new visitors not only to IntoOutdoors, but also surrounding towns and villages.”
The development is within a 60 minute drive of a population of over 3.6million. ‘Try before you buy’ retail areas will be a key feature, allowing customers to experience products prior to purchase and drive sales for retailers.
The site is at the junction of the A44 and A46 trunk roads with 27,500 vehicles passing the site each day. According to IntoOutdoors, the region boasts a high penetration of outdoor enthusiasts and its prime location will enable customers from a wide geographical area to visit IntoOutdoors.
Knight Frank is instructed as Development Consultants and letting agents for the scheme.
IntoOutdoors has passed BikeBiz two CGI mock-ups of the project:
