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Stafford Library
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markpa12003
Well-Known Forumite
I would agree with you if we were talking about just a few retail units, however the Riverside development will provide new flagship stores that have a huge pull; Debenhams and HLM. It will also provide additional retail space. In addition to this, it will provide a new cinema and restaurants etc. All of which will encourage people that currently travel to other towns to stay in Stafford.
The very fact that Debenhams and HLM want to invest in Stafford shows that there is sufficient demand and yields to be had.
I struggle to see why you consider Staffordshire to be risky. S-O-T yes, but no where else. As demonstrated by the amount of development that we are seeing across Staffordshire and, in particular in Stafford; Redhill, Beaconside, Riverside, JCB (Rocester), new housing developments.....
The very fact that Debenhams and HLM want to invest in Stafford shows that there is sufficient demand and yields to be had.
I struggle to see why you consider Staffordshire to be risky. S-O-T yes, but no where else. As demonstrated by the amount of development that we are seeing across Staffordshire and, in particular in Stafford; Redhill, Beaconside, Riverside, JCB (Rocester), new housing developments.....
Ecker
Well-Known Forumite
While Stafford continues to have all the dynamism of a tap dancing clam, there is little or
no chance of anyone attempting to do anything here.
Yes, various stores have indicated the possibility that they might open up here but, to date,
bugger all has happened. This may well be because they are capable of doing market
research and are blowed if they are going to be the first to make a serious mistake. One
look in the windows of Marks and Spencer is more than enough to indicate to all but the
brain dead that anyone wanting to buy anything even remotely interesting is going to have
to travel to somewhere else to do it. Two years ago, M&S had a fascinating display of women's
grey dressing gowns in the window at Christmas, need I say more on that front.
As for restaurants, there is more chance of Nelson getting his eye back. There are folk walking
the aisles of supermarkets looking at what other folk are buying and are listening to conversations
which include things like: "Oh I don't like foreign muck", "I can't be doing with olives", "Anchovies
make me heave", "You can get two mains for a tenner at...". It is not going to happen!!
And presumably, all of this on land which is renowned for being inordinately unstable.
As the Scots would say...."Aye right!!"
markpa12003
Well-Known Forumite
Bugger all has happened???
Planning permission has been granted for the Riverside development; buildings have been demolished and the stores have released press releases confirming that they are coming to Stafford, and vacancies at Debenhams are being advertised internally. How much more evidence do you want?
The developer behind the riverside development and the named stores will have already done their market research (as well as various retail assessments) before submitting a planning application and confirming their interest.
As part of the Riverside Development planning application a detailed ground investigation would have been undertaken to confirm the ground is stable for the proposed development. Given that the application was approved, I'm confident the ground is stable. Furthermore, the fact that the former Tesco store and Riverside centre didn't fall into the ground suggests to me that your suggestion that the ground is unstable is unfounded.
Planning permission has been granted for the Riverside development; buildings have been demolished and the stores have released press releases confirming that they are coming to Stafford, and vacancies at Debenhams are being advertised internally. How much more evidence do you want?
The developer behind the riverside development and the named stores will have already done their market research (as well as various retail assessments) before submitting a planning application and confirming their interest.
As part of the Riverside Development planning application a detailed ground investigation would have been undertaken to confirm the ground is stable for the proposed development. Given that the application was approved, I'm confident the ground is stable. Furthermore, the fact that the former Tesco store and Riverside centre didn't fall into the ground suggests to me that your suggestion that the ground is unstable is unfounded.
Ecker
Well-Known Forumite
Aye right...again. Would this be the planning permission granted by the same folk who promised retail outlets
and restuarants on the ground floor of Scaffoldshire Place by any chance?
You may be confident the ground is stable, but the evidence suggests otherwise. The old Riverside centre was sinking from when it was new, and it seems that the CC HQ is suffering the same problem. Look at how many times grand plans for this area have come to nothing. Why would developers choose Scandalford to spend their (and our) money, when they can go somewhere else where it's easier to build?
Gramaisc
Forum O. G.
I have vague recollections of a dispute between SBC and BRC over this at the time, but can find no evidence of it.
proactive
Enjoying a drop of red.
Is it? Where have you heard about this?
markpa12003
Well-Known Forumite
It's not up to the Borough Council to identify and source retail operators for Staffordshire Place, they are merely the planning authority that grants or refuses planning permission. It is the responsibility of the owner or developer to source operators. therefore, it is the responsibility of the County Council not BOROUGH COUNCIL.
The applicant promoting the Riverside Development has sourced retail operators and has signed these up, hence the press releases by Debenhams and HLM. Do you not see the difference between the two schemes?
The applicant promoting the Riverside Development has sourced retail operators and has signed these up, hence the press releases by Debenhams and HLM. Do you not see the difference between the two schemes?
markpa12003
Well-Known Forumite
Have you read evidence submitted as part of the Riverside Development planning application?
Ecker
Well-Known Forumite
When Debenhams, HLM, additional retail outlets, a cinema and restaurants are up and running, I will revise my views.
Feed The Goat
Well-Known Forumite
Take a look at the shops closing in Stafford thread. It is a more accurate barometer of retailing in the town centre than any amount of council spin.
darben
Well-Known Forumite
Mmm! The removal of the mature trees, it's not something I'm impressed by. I see signs of deconstruction, mindless vandalism, lack of empathy with the local environment. I hope the new buildings have a better design & longevity than the riverside sports centre.
darben
Well-Known Forumite
On recollection wasn't this something to do with that fact that the plans hadn't factored the weight of the water for the pool in the original design.
I think the tesco's multi-storey car park was closed because dangerous structural faults were found. The cause of which I don't know.
Wouldn't both sides of the river make a lovely park area, now it's all been flattened out.
Recently I saw Bore hole samples being taken at the Riverside development so by now the developers/contractors should have an accurate idea of the ground conditions and where the ground bearing strata is. If there was anything to worry about this would of been flagged up. Technology has improved massively since that ugly was BC building was built, numerous buildings have been built with large basements adjacent to the Thames without any issues. I would of thought that that the foundations used would be some kind of piled auger system i,e CFA, which act as retaining walls as well as supporting the structure.
Darben, I agree about the trees and that is a shame, I hope that a good landscaping scheme is introduced on the site to compensate. However rather than seeing a large park on that site, I would love to knock down the Peugeot garage and the buildings opposite the cenotaph (the buildings I refer to were the DSS I think) and extend the park in those areas.
PPPPP - what is it with your constant conspiracy theories are you anti all developments and councils or just this one? What is your agenda. All buildings settle after construction and in fact depending on ground conditions this settlement can take up to 20 years, so it is not unusual that Staffordshire place has settled, if it even has.
Ecker - are you for real, look at the site, things are happening, Anchor tenants have signed contracts etc and are now actively recruiting.
Darben, I agree about the trees and that is a shame, I hope that a good landscaping scheme is introduced on the site to compensate. However rather than seeing a large park on that site, I would love to knock down the Peugeot garage and the buildings opposite the cenotaph (the buildings I refer to were the DSS I think) and extend the park in those areas.
PPPPP - what is it with your constant conspiracy theories are you anti all developments and councils or just this one? What is your agenda. All buildings settle after construction and in fact depending on ground conditions this settlement can take up to 20 years, so it is not unusual that Staffordshire place has settled, if it even has.
Ecker - are you for real, look at the site, things are happening, Anchor tenants have signed contracts etc and are now actively recruiting.
Gramaisc
Forum O. G.
I can't be the only person that found it to be slightly depressing to see a building that I saw being built subsequently being demolished.
Seems a bit daft.
Ecker
Well-Known Forumite
"Ecker - are you for real, look at the site, things are happening, Anchor tenants have signed contracts etc and are now actively recruiting."
Anchor Tenants? They are going to need an anchor? I hadn't realised
it was that bad...Abandon Ship!!
Left hand down a bit Mr Phillips
darben
Well-Known Forumite
There is quite a difference between the Thames and the Sow and the geology of the land around them.
PPPPP - All buildings settle after construction and in fact depending on ground conditions this settlement can take up to 20 years, so it is not unusual that Staffordshire place has settled, if it even has.
This doesn't make sense, and you seem to be forgetting that there's more than a river to consider when building in salty Stafford.
This doesn't make sense, and you seem to be forgetting that there's more than a river to consider when building in salty Stafford.