Proposals to transform a former meat factory in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, have been approved despite a recommendation for refusal by planning officials.
The 155,000 sq ft Innox Riverside retail and leisure scheme, which was proposed by Prorsus, is going ahead after Wiltshire councillors voted last week to grant planning permission for the regeneration of the town centre site.
The plans include an 81,000 sq ft Morrisons foodstore, 31,000 sq ft eight-screen Cineworld cinema, six 100-seat family restaurants with external seating, a Marston’s pub, coffee shop and a new civic square.
Construction is due to start later this summer with Innox Riverside open by Christmas 2013.
Wiltshire council had recommended the scheme for refusal because, it said, “many aspects of the current submission are disappointing”.
Despite almost 40 letters of support for the development, planning officers said there was “no perceived demand” for another supermarket in the town and that it was doubtful Trowbridge could support two cinemas.
Angus Horner, managing director of Prorsus, said: “The fact that Innox Riverside is already more than 75% let, with the remaining restaurant units either under offer or in solicitors’ hands, demonstrates the fundamental attraction to the occupier market of a well located, high quality retail and leisure scheme.”
CWM is the retained leisure agent.
Annabel.Dixon@estatesgazette.com
