Developers have unveiled proposals to include residential units in a £40m retail scheme in Plymouth city centre’s West End.
Colesbourne Asset Management, who received planning consent for a 135,000 sq ft complex at Colin Campbell Court in April, is to submit a fresh planning application this month.
The scheme’s architects, Horden Cherry Lee, said the only changes to the scheme, which currently includes retail and leisure, is the inclusion of residential units above the retail areas.
The original plans were met with opposition from traders’ groups in the West End, who have ongoing concerns that demand for the scheme will be insufficient after the opening of a £200m shopping centre at Drake Circus later this year.
Tom King, of Colesbourne Asset Management, said: “We are committed to delivering this major regeneration, which presents a golden opportunity for us to work with the business community and the council to bring the maximum benefit to the city.
“The major investment will ensure that the West End of the city centre will once again become a major retail destination of regional importance.”
James Carter, property manager of the Plymouth and South West Co-operative Society said: “I think the biggest issue that the developer faces now is a commercial one: whether there’s demand for the space that it’s looking to provide.
“There are going to be a lot of retailers relocating into Drake Circus and leaving units that are going to be available, so I think there’s a very big question of whether there is sufficient demand to support the Colin Campbell Court scheme.”
References: EGi News 22/06/06
