Member Article

Proposed Jomast retail redevelopment sees M&S commit to Northallerton

A multi-million pound, mixed use, retail and leisure development that will bring a new larger, stand alone M&S Simply Food store with cafe, a new bar and restaurant as well as the preservation of listed buildings, is being outlined for Northallerton by property development company, Jomast.

The proposed redevelopment scheme is on the site of the former and now disused Ruston Hospital and will include the construction of approx 850 sq m (net sales) food store with cafe to replace M&S’s existing High Street store.

It will also include the sensitive conversion and refurbishment of Grade II listed buildings, also located on the High Street, into a new pub and restaurant, the creation of a public courtyard garden, parking for 40 vehicles and highways and public access improvements to Brompton Road and Friarage Street.

The proposed scheme is being seen as a key development opportunity for Northallerton town centre and will significantly improve retail provision in the area. It will also create new employment opportunities for the local community and secure M&S’s long term future to the town.

The new bar and restaurant will restore and return prominent and vacant buildings back into use and help to broaden the food and drink offer in the heart of the town centre.

The Newcastle office of national planning and economics consultancy Nathaniel Lichfield & Partners is holding a consultation on the scheme, and members of the public are invited to view and comment on the Jomast proposals from 2pm-7pm on Wednesday June 18 2014 at The Golden Lion Hotel, Northallerton.

Adam Hearld, Jomast development director, commented: “The former Rutson hospital site represents an exciting opportunity to bring a prominent vacant town centre site back into use.

“Our scheme will allow M&S to relocate into a larger and purpose-built store and introduce a new cafe facility, improving consumer choice and creating new employment opportunities.”

Jonathan Wallace, senior director at Nathaniel Lichfield & Partners said: “The redevelopment site is located within a conservation area and lies in a sensitive location from a heritage perspective.

“We have therefore spent considerable time developing a scheme in consultation with Officers at Hambleton Council and are pleased to now be in a position to consult with the wider community.”

Subject to the outcome of the planned community consultation, Jomast anticipates that planning applications for the scheme will be submitted in July 2014.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Jomast .