HEART OF ENGLAND CO-OPERATIVE PLEDGES SUPPORT TO NEW COMMUNITY-FOCUSED LOCAL CENTRE IN WARWICK

A new mixed-use development focused on meeting the needs of the community is set to open in Warwick.

The new Local Centre will be located next to Heathcote Primary School at the junction of Harbury Lane and Vickers Way, and will include a Co-op anchor store.

Plans to develop the Lower Heathcote Local Centre were submitted to Warwick District Council by LSP Developments last year, and the scheme is expected to create more than 100 jobs.

Heart of England Co-operative has committed to siting a 4,000 sq ft anchor store at the centre, and will also own four additional retail units, which will be let to a variety of businesses.

Harris Lamb’s Retail team acted for Heart of England Co-operative, working closely with LSP Developments to negotiate the purchase of the properties.

David Walton, Head of Retail, said: “This is a very exciting scheme and perfect for Heart of England Co-operative. The business has always maintained strong links with local communities and is keen to play a pivotal part in bringing this brilliant Local Centre to fruition.

“The additional four units are intended to be let to other complimentary businesses to help create a collection of useful amenities for local residents, with possible uses under consideration including a dentist, bistro and a beauty salon,” he added.

The community-focused area will include new offices for housing association and developer L&Q Estates and the first Little Pioneers nursery in Warwick for up to 100 children.

At the heart of the development will be a public square with landscaping and seating.

Ian Hardwick, managing director of Warwick-based L&Q Estates, said the Local Centre would provide facilities for families living nearby as well as those who move into the allocation of 1,600 new homes within Warwick District Council’s Local Plan.

“This will provide a real community focus for residents who live south of Lower Heathcote,” he said.

“There will be a wide range of services which the community can use on a daily basis centred around a high quality landscaped public square which we hope will prove really popular for residents to use.

“Work started earlier this year on creating the Local Centre facilities which will be delivered in phases, the first phase being the retail due for completion in early 2022,” he added.