Shopping in Leamington
Leamington is a vibrant and successful shopping centre. It is looking to maintain this success in the future with the possible development of a major new retail complex and car park.
The District Council has always attempted to keep Leamington as an attractive and important town centre. The development of Royal Priors and Regent Court have played their part in helping to create a vibrant and successful shopping destination. High quality, independent shops together with a good number of major multiple retailers gives a balance of retailing that helps Leamington offer something special.
In order to try and preserve this, we need to plan now for the future. Independent studies undertaken for the council showed that there is need to develop new shopping in the town centre. Without this there is the prospect of substantial out of town development and increased competition from nearby town centres seriously undermining the unique retail offer the town centre now offers.
The District Local Plan, now adopted, addressed these issues during the course of its preparation over the last few years. It now includes policy supporting the principle of large scale shopping development in Leamington town centre.
New challenge
To respond to these needs, Warwick District Council decided in 2004 to seek the potential development of a new shopping scheme at the heart of the town, on the site of the existing Chandos Street car park. This would allow the possible creation of a scheme similar to Royal Priors, with new shopping linked through to the Parade. However, for any scheme to be acceptable, it would need to fit in well with the character of the town
Following a lengthy selection process, Wilson Bowden Developments have been chosen as prospective development partners. They have undertaken initial designs which show how a shopping centre could be developed on the Chandos Street site.
Their plans include the following
- A two level shopping area, linking Warwick Street opposite Royal Priors to Parade with a new pedestrian link through existing shops
- A new department store
- Large new shop units
- New public areas
- 500 space car park
- All servicing to be provided underground
Designs and artist impression
Looking to the future
The scheme currently under consideration has a light, arcade roof and outside elevations designed to fit in within surrounding buildings. Its appearance has been designed to reflect the quality of the existing town. Map of the area.
A scheme has not yet been finalised. A public consultation exercise, which is still under way, has been undertaken to bring in as many views as possible. These views will be taken into account as the scheme is being developed. Before any development scheme is agreed the council will need to be sure that the development is the right scheme for the town and meets all its policy needs.
If this is achieved, a planning application could be made in 2008. If planning permission is granted, then construction could commence in 2009. The scheme would then be open for trading in 2012.
Background information
A detailed document giving the background to this proposed development (117kb, PDF) and the Council's approach to the retailing provision in Leamington Spa is available to download.
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