Gateway Plaza Appoints WSB
BARNSLEY TOWN TALK
26 May 2011
Retail expert joins team to market opportunities
Landmark Development Projects and Quest Property have appointed WSB Property Consultants LLP to market the available retail space at their iconic Gateway Plaza mixed-use scheme in Barnsley.
Following the sale of the flagship 96,000sq ft office building at Gateway Plaza to Barnsley Council resulting in a total of over 850 staff working from the offices element of the mixed-use scheme, the developers have instructed WSB to invite interest from retailers in the remaining commercial units. WSB will join existing scheme agents Smiths Chartered Surveyors and Lambert Smith Hampton.
3 units totalling up to circa 20,000sq ft are available for immediate occupation, with each unit presenting unique opportunities for retailers. A prominent 5,225sq ft unit is located underneath the residential element and has high profile frontage on to Sackville Street and Fitzwilliam Street, making it the ideal location for a convenience store type of operator of circa 3,500sq ft and 2 adjacent additional smaller units for such users as a pharmacy to complement the successful on-site NHS health centre. The 4,344sq ft unit beneath the office building is accessed from within the plaza and could be utilised as additional offices or retailing such a beauty salon or restaurant with the option for a split-level inclusion increasing the unit size to 8,688sq ft. The final 6,474sq ft unit covers 2 floors and benefits from views out over Barnsley from beside the Pinfold Steps and could suit a range of uses including a gym or restaurant operator.
Planning permission is also in place for a new 1,250sq ft cafe bar operation to be developed in the centre of the plaza. This presents a unique opportunity for an occupier to create a stand-alone, bespoke facility to suit their exact requirements.
In addition to strong demographic results, excellent positioning opposite The Lamproom Theatre with nearby major local employers such as Westgate phase one and the Police Station, retailers can capitalise on the high levels of daily footfall generated by the Premier Inn, Table Table Restaurant, Glass House Bar, 188 apartments, NHS health centre and offices that all operate on site.
Adam Mobley, Partner at WSB, said; “Now is the optimum time to be seeking interest in the retail space at Gateway Plaza. As all the elements of the development are complete, the plaza has been brought to life and the latest deal with the Council means there is even more daily footfall for retailers to take advantage of. Outside of the development, the Census confirms that there are over 2,000 households within a quarter-mile radius who could certainly utilise a convenience store operation given that there is nothing of this nature within close walking distance to the scheme. In addition to retailers we can also accommodate leisure and office operations within the plaza unit.
“Due to the nature of the development and its topography, the units all have their own appealing features and advantages so we would encourage interested parties to view the accommodation as this represents the last opportunity to secure space within this fantastic scheme.”
Development Manager for Gateway Plaza, Matthew Stephens, continues; “All elements of the scheme are flourishing and our fully-staffed on site sales suite is continually handling interest from people who are keen to be a part of the living experience here. The occupation of the final retail units would complete the mixed use offer and we are looking forward to welcoming new retailers to join our successful tenant mix at Gateway Plaza.”
