Canal Corridor North – Latest News

The latest news from our friends at itsourcity

Earlier this week the Bulk Ward councillors met with planning officer
Andrew Dobson for an update on Centros Miller’s plans. We understand
that the following issues were discussed at this meeting. Please be
aware, however, that this was an informal meeting between the Ward
Councillors and Mr Dobson. Points under discussion included:

There are significant problems with the original traffic
assessment carried out by Centros and the Council have asked other
traffic consultants to review any new traffic work by Centros.

Retail consultants White Young Green are not happy with Centros’
retail study and the planning office does not think that it
demonstrates the need for so much extra retail.

Centros appears to have floated the possibility of removing the
bridge linking with St. Nicholas Arcade in response to concerns
from English Heritage and others. The planning office is concerned
that without the bridge very few people will cross from the canal
corridor development to the existing city centre.

In light of these problems and current economic circumstances, Centros
Miller are rethinking the whole design concept and details of their
plans. This will result in a substantially revised application in May
2008 followed by a further period of consultation.

The new plan would include a 40,000 sq feet new food store
occupied by Booths which will be on the lower car park with a
frontage on St Leonardsgate and going up to the Grand.

Debenhams would move to the opposite end of the site almost
fronting on Moor Lane

The road layout and layout of the square would change

The streets now would become “eclectic streets” with more small shops

The height of the whole development would be reduced to the
minimum or below the minimum in the original plans

As we said, this is a statement of latest thinking, not a firm set of
proposals. But we will let you know as soon as we hear anything more.

~ by ralpharama on January 21, 2008.