A new shopping proposal for Longton is set to bring £8 million of investment and bring up to 160 job opportunities to the town.

Developer St. Modwen has submitted a planning application for the development of Phoenix Retail Park on the high profile, former timber works site which enjoys a prominent position overlooking the A50 in Longton. 

Reinforcing St. Modwen's commitment to regeneration in Stoke-on-Trent, the planning application is intended to kick-start the redevelopment of the site through the delivery of five new retail units totalling 42,100 sq ft plus mezzanine areas, together with a restaurant with Drive Thru and parking for 233 cars.  The site has an existing planning consent for a retail DIY store and the original proposed occupier withdrew at the onset of the recession.

St. Modwen has been encouraged by the level of interest from occupiers for its proposals and has already identified a number of high profile occupiers.  Lettings have been agreed with McDonald's for the restaurant, and retailers Smyths Toys and Pets @ Home to occupy a 15,000 sq ft and 7,500 sq ft unit respectively. The company is also in discussions with other parties for the remaining retail units which range from 5,100-7,500 sq ft.

Euan Lindsay, senior development manager for St. Modwen commented: "Development of the former Phoenix Timber site is long overdue and this latest application has been submitted with the intention of stimulating new development and investment in Longton by bringing forward a scheme which has significant occupier interest.  We believe this new planning application better reflects the current marketplace and the kind of development which we can bring forward in Longton with positive impact on the town and benefit for the local community.  It will create a quality development, very visible to the A50 at one of the major gateways into Longton town centre and will be a catalyst to encourage more people to use Longton as their shopping destination.

"This is a scheme that was cancelled at the beginning of the recession and it is very reassuring that the new scheme has already generated strong interest, a clear indication that there is an appetite for commercial opportunities within North Staffordshire, despite stringent economic conditions. 

"St. Modwen is committed to helping businesses fulfil their ambitions within the area. Smyths Toys, Pets @ Home and McDonald's alone will bring significant employment opportunities to the town and, we believe, will provide the appropriate stimulus for us to progress with the redevelopment of the rest of the Phoenix Park site."

It is anticipated that Phoenix Retail Park will deliver up to 160 new jobs in the local community, with opportunities for flexible full and part time working.  The McDonald's restaurant alone is expected to bring up to 100 new job opportunities, providing employees with access to an award-winning training programme and the chance to gain externally-recognised qualifications.

Subject to planning approval, St. Modwen anticipates construction beginning on site at Phoenix Retail Park in early 2011 with completion ready for occupiers to take advantage of the Christmas trading period.