New images for a multi-million shopping park in Burton town centre have been revealed as the latest proposals are submitted.
If the new plans are approved for the Peel Croft ground and neighbouring buildings it will help fund the town’s rugby club’s move to new facilities. The rugby club has played at Peel Croft for more than 100 years.
The proposed Burton Shopping Park is now a step closer to opening with detailed plans for the development’s layout and appearance submitted to East Staffordshire Borough Council for approval.
Once this is decided, retailers who will set up on home the site, will be announced. Comments on the application will be accepted until August 30 with a decision expected shortly after.
The shopping park development will provide significant funds towards Burton Rugby Club’s relocation to new facilities at Tatenhill where access and groundworks recently started.
The new plans and image show proposals for three larger and five smaller retail units, totalling 6,456 sq m, (69,500 square feet).
There will be a total of 222 car parking spaces, 12 of which will be for disabled and 16 for parent and toddler use. Shoppers will access the development from Lichfield Street, opposite St Peter’s Retail Park, and exit off Orchard Street, with a separate service yard access for the larger units off Lichfield Street.
The former Blockbusters building will be demolished and current businesses located elsewhere.
Development Portfolio Management (DPM), who are the developers and project managers for both schemes, are close to revealing big name shops who will set up home.
DPM director Paul Tolley said: "We are currently in legal negotiations with prospective occupiers for all the units and expect to confirm the occupiers in the near future. There is an exciting range of new outlets lined-up with easy access to the existing town centre facilities which is positive investment in Burton that will further enhance the town centre’s attraction.
"Once the legal negotiations have been finalised, development can begin immediately with a view to open in time for Christmas 2018."
It is anticipated development will start at Peel Croft as soon as the latest application is approved this year.
This would enable the rugby club to be playing its first games at Tatenhill by Autumn next year, with Burton Shopping Park opening in time for Christmas 2018.
Other sporting interests joining Burton Rugby Club at the new site at Tatenhill are Dunstall Cricket Club and Grange Lawn Tennis Club. There will be potential in the future for netball, running and a stopping point for the National Cycle Way.
Burton Rugby Club had hoped that Burton Shopping Park would be ready to open by the end of 2013, however the economic climate delayed the proposals.
