Work Starts On Whiteley Development

£64m is being spent on the massive Whiteley retail development - creating up to 1,000 jobs.

In December 2011, the Whiteley Co-Ownership Trust, a joint venture between Universities Superannuation Scheme (“USS”) and British Land, announced the first retailers for the 300,000 sq ft Whiteley development. Lettings at the £64 million scheme have now reached approximately 50% by floor area, with M&S and Next committing to anchor the scheme.

Today, a ground breaking ceremony marks the start of building work.

The development, which is set to open in Spring  2013, will comprise over 50 units designed to accommodate a wide range of national and local retailers, restaurants, cafés and other facilities, with 1,136 free car park spaces.

Other pre-lets include H&M, Boots, JD Sports, Bank, Sports Direct, Frankie & Benny’s and Starbucks.

Designed by architects Corstophine and Wright, Whiteley will transform the existing scheme featuring shop units with double height glazing and oak panels centred around a new square.  The contemporary design makes use of natural materials, and incorporates extensive energy efficient and sustainability features, including roof-mounted solar panels.

Completion is projected for spring 2013.

Situated next to the existing Tesco supermarket, the scheme has excellent accessibility via Junction 9 of the M27.