LXB Retail Properties has got the go-ahead to develop a 465,000 sq ft mixed-use scheme at Rushden Lakes in Northamptonshire.
The group bought the 244-acre site in May last year for just over £4.5m. Much of the land forms part of a site of special scientific interest, but it includes 31 acres of developable land.
The £52m scheme will comprise a 74,000 sq ft home and garden centre, 340,000 sq ft of shops, a drive-through restaurant, lakeside visitor centre and restaurants. A hotel, crèche and leisure club will also be included on the site.
The “site of scientific interest” will be integrated with the retail scheme to promote increased dwell time by visitors and the combined retail and leisure destination will include a visitors’ centre, a marina and boathouse, footpaths and cycle routes.
LXB said it was in discussions with the Wildlife Trust about taking on the long-term management of the remainder of the SSSI for future generations.
LXB hopes to be on site by autumn next year.
samantha.mcclary@estatesgazette.com
