CampbellReith has been commissioned by LXB (Manager) LLP to assist in securing detailed planning consent for an 11.5Ha general and food retail and leisure development adjacent to the A45 at Rushden lakes, Northamptonshire.
The site was formerly used for sand and gravel extraction and following ceasation of these activities it was used as a watersports and outdoor activity centre. The lakes and woodland that lie to the north of the development site offer rich and diverse habitats that have formed the basis of their designation as a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) and as RAMSAR and Special Protection Area (SPA) sites.
The retail units comprise anchor stores for national retailers (up to 60,000 sqft), a range of unit sizes up to 20,000 sqft and a 70,000 sqft garden centre. A 100 room hotel, leisure club, restaurants and a boathouse are included together with a visitor centre which provides information on Rushden and the Rushden Lakes SSSI/SPA/RAMSAR site. Enhanced access is provided to the lakes and woodland both on and off site and a strategic link between Rushden and the “Greenway” network is provided by a new footbridge over the A45. The project involves input from a range of CampbellReith disciplines.
CampbellReith has produced a Paramics model of the A45 Skew Bridge roundabout (which affords access to the site) to enable improvement works to be designed and verified, and we have played a key role in negotiations with the Highways Agency.
