250 jobs to be created as Wakefield retail scheme receives approval

Kier Property, with GMI Property acting as development manager, has secured planning approval from Wakefield Council for the creation of a new retail scheme in Snowhill, Wakefield.

The development will also feature a new Aldi store and bring around 250 new jobs to the local area.

The proposals will transform a vacant circa 6-acre site on the A650, which connects Wakefield with the M1, and sits adjacent to Paragon Business Park.

Consent has been granted for the development of eight retail units totaling 46,600sq ft and incorporating an Aldi foodstore, five additional retail units and two drive-thru outlets, one of which has been pre-let to McDonalds.

The retail scheme, designed by The Harris Partnership, forms the first phase of development at Snowhill.

Kier Property has agreed to sell the adjoining 9-acre residential site to Strata Homes for the creation of approximately 90 new homes. A reserved matters application for the residential development is scheduled for submission to Wakefield Council this month.

The retail and residential schemes form part of the wider Snowhill masterplan, which focuses on the long-term sustainable regeneration of the area.

Tom Gilman, managing director of Kier Property (North), said: “Although this strategic site has an historic retail consent we are delighted to have secured a new planning permission to facilitate Aldi opening a new food store in Wakefield. We have strong interest in the remaining retail units and this scheme will attract more investment into the area and bring along with it new jobs for the locality.”

Chris Gilman of GMI Property, added: “We are delighted to be working with Kier on this scheme and this consent is a significant milestone in delivering this important mixed-use development. Plans for the next phase will be brought forward by Strata Homes, with planning expected to be submitted within the next few weeks. The designs complement the surrounding developments and make a much-needed contribution to the housing requirements of the Wakefield area.”

Construction is expected to start in March this year with completion planned for Easter 2017.

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