The first major retail units for Rushden Lakes Shopping Park have been handed over.
The units for Primark, House of Fraser, and Marks & Spencer were handed over by Projex ahead of practical completion on 24 April.
Projex has been involved with the prestigious scheme, one of the UK’s biggest out of town developments, since its inception, providing project management, employer’s agent and cost consultancy advice to client, LXB RP Rushden Limited.
The development is a mixed-use retail and leisure park and will become a prominent UK leisure, tourism and retail destination when completed.
Based on a 244-acre site, it aims to attract more than three million visitors a year once open. Only 30 acres will be built on and much of the site is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and RAMSAR designated nature reserve.
Both the design and construction process have had to embrace the challenges and opportunities provided by this, working in conjunction with design and build contractor, Winvic.
Public access will be restored to the network of lakes and there will be water-based facilities for community use, a pedestrian and cycle bridge over the A45 linking it to the town, as well as waterfront restaurants and boathouse, visitor centre, footpaths and cycle routes.
Projex has overseen the initial 500,000 sq ft phase 1 development including complex Highways England and Local Authority s278 Highways works.
