Warner Estate signs Waitrose to Waterside Shopping in Aylesbury
Archived press release
Date Published: 17/02/09
An artist's impression of how the new store will appear in Waterside
Warner Estate has reached an agreement with Waitrose for them to become the food store anchor for its proposed Waterside Shopping scheme in Aylesbury.
Waitrose will trade from a 30,900 sq ft store, which has been taken on a 20 year lease.
This announcement follows the signing of the formal Development Agreement between Warner Estate and Aylesbury Vale District Council for the development of the retail element of the wider Council-led regeneration proposals for Aylesbury
Providing a link from Warner Estate’s existing Hale Leys Shopping Centre, Waterside Shopping will introduce an 80,000sq ft Debenhams department store and a further 30 shops as well as new restaurants and cafes, 800 car parking spaces and an attractive new public realm in front of the theatre, which is currently under construction by Aylesbury Vale District Council.
Located opposite the town’s new theatre, the new Waitrose food store will help to extend the retail heart of the town towards the south side of Exchange Street, which will be rejuvenated as a result of these proposed developments. The store will enhance the environment particularly around the canal basin and Bear Brook and will provide an attractive back drop to the proposed public realm.
Michael Stevens, Property Director at Warner Estate comments: “This is another great step for Waterside Shopping and is indicative of the high quality retailer interest that is being placed in the scheme. Waitrose will provide a real draw for shoppers to the town and will significantly enhance this side of Exchange Street. We continue to progress our proposals in advance of submitting a planning application in the coming months.”
Councillor John Cartwright, Leader of Aylesbury Vale District Council, added: “We are extremely pleased that Waitrose are coming to Aylesbury. We said at the outset that we wanted the scheme to be of the highest quality, with the theatre leading the way. Waitrose fits perfectly with our plans and we really are now beginning to see our dreams for the redevelopment of Aylesbury come true.”
Waitrose Director of Development, Nigel Keen, said: "We are delighted to have signed an agreement which, subject to planning permission being granted, commits us to the scheme put forward by Warner Estate. It offers Waitrose a fantastic opportunity to contribute towards the regeneration of an important part of Aylesbury and we firmly believe that a Waitrose food shop will help add to the vibrancy of the area as well as providing more choice for the local community. Waitrose places great value on becoming part of a town's fabric and will continue to work hard with the developer to ensure the application submitted is one that best meets the needs of Aylesbury."
Warner Estate is advised by Cushman & Wakefield and Green and Partners.