Cambridge based developers and investors Howard Group have spearheaded the project which will provide a huge boost to the local economy. The development will add to the town’s offering as a shopping destination and attempt to restrict the ‘retail leak’ which has traditionally led to local people going further afield to spend their money.
Pre-let agreements have been signed with Lidl, Pets at Home and Home Bargains with a further retail unit being constructed and marketed to national retailers. The park will offer high quality retail accommodation with ample landscaped parking areas.
As part of the planning consent Howard Group will be funding a new pedestrian crossing on Ehringshausen Way as well as gifting a parcel of land to the County Council to extend the county wildlife site alongside the old Haverhill railway line.
Outline planning permission for employment development at the rear of the site has also been granted. The site is being actively marketed to bring further jobs and investment to the town.
Colin Brown, development manager at Howard Group, said: “Howard Group has owned this site for a number of years and came very close to signing up a number of national brands prior to the credit crunch. We’re delighted to be so close to realising our goal to bring further investment, jobs and retail offering to Haverhill and we look forward to working alongside the council to attract further investment on the employment land to the rear.
“We’ve had great support and feedback from local councillors and the public to our proposed scheme and we’re looking forward to completion of the retail park in Spring 2017.”