Morpeth designs unveiled

Morpeth designs unveiled

9 December 2005

Preliminary designs for the redevelopment of Back Riggs and Sanderson’s Arcade in Morpeth have been produced following further consultation between the town’s stakeholders, developers Dransfield Properties and historical architecture experts.

The plans, which are still at an early stage, retain the Sanderson’s Arcade entrance and introduce architecture in keeping with Morpeth’s market town character.  The centre will be extensively refurbished and a glazed atrium installed.

The improved centre will become home to three major high street retailers and a minimum of three niche retailers.  The Comrades Club and local traders will remain in the centre, with their trade protected throughout the development by a phased construction schedule.

Consultation with stakeholders has identified a number of wider issues affecting Morpeth town centre.  Analysis of pedestrian routes has shown that the bus depot acts as a barrier between Morrisons and the town centre, discouraging linked shopping trips.  Meetings with bus operators to discuss the bus station layout are scheduled for next week.

Local concerns include car parking, the lack of restaurant facilities, pedestrian safety and public realm, and all of these issues will be examined over the next few months by Dransfield Properties and the stakeholder groups.

A full planning application for the centre will be made in March 2006, with construction due to start in November 2006.

Mark Dransfield, Managing Director of Dransfield Properties said: “I am pleased at the progress we are making in putting forward a scheme which meets the requirements of the town.  There is still a lot of work to do, but I am confident we will soon have a scheme which will bring new retailers to Morpeth, attract visitors and shoppers to the centre, and ultimately protect the long term vitality of the town.”

“We have had a warm welcome from local stakeholders and we look forward to continuing to work in partnership with them to deliver an enhanced town centre for Morpeth.”

Consultation meetings have been held with the Civic Society, Chamber of Trade, English Heritage, the Comrades Club and town planners.  The next round of meetings will include the town council, Morpeth Pride, the Arts Council, Citizens’ Panel and the Antiquarian Society.

For further information, contact:

Public Relations Department, Dransfield Properties Ltd
Tel: 01226 360644
Email: pr@dransfield.co.uk