|
THE go-ahead has been given to a controversial £8m redevelopment scheme in the heart of Crosby town centre.
Maghull Developments has been granted detailed planning approval by Sefton Council for its proposals to redevelop 120-year old Central Buildings.
The £8m mixed use regeneration scheme includes 10,000sq ft of ground floor retail, 10 luxury apartments and 12,500sq ft of office space.
Maghull plans to start demolition work in August, completing the scheme by September 2007. It revised its plans following a mixed reaction to the original scheme from the public as well as from Sefton Council.
Local campaigners tried, unsuccessfully, to persuade government watchdog agency English Heritage to grant listed status to Central Buildings.
Crosby Village Traders Association had expressed strong opposition to the scheme, claiming it would be a disaster for Crosby.
The developers say as well as making a positive step forward in regenerating Crosby town centre the scheme will add significantly to the town's shopping facilities with the retail space already attracting significant interest from major high street names, such as Marks & Spencer Simply Food, Tesco, Argos, Home & Bargain and Specsavers.
Michael Hanlon, Maghull Development's managing director, said: "We are delighted that Sefton Council has granted planning approval for the redevelopment of this site which will improve the retail offer and enhance the vitality and viability of Crosby town centre.
"We hope that this planning approval will now act as a catalyst for further investment and regeneration within the town centre in order to improve the poor retail offer and also create more jobs."
Retail agent for the development is Taylor & Co while Mason Owen is letting the office space and Michael Moon Estate Agents is handling the sale of the apartments.
The Maghull Group already has a mixed-use property portfolio valued at £100m and is undertaking various commercial and residential development schemes throughout the North West with an investment value in excess of £275m.
|
|
