Plans submitted for Smithfield Riverside, Shrewsbury
First Plans submitted for Shrewsbury Town Centre scheme
Following weeks of public consultations in the autumn, the first in a series of planning applications for the Smithfield Riverside regeneration project was submitted and registered by the LPA just before Christmas.
If approved, this application will enable the demolition of the Riverside Shopping Centre and the delivery of key enabling works for future phases. These enabling works include the creation of a new public park, that will create a new bio diverse, attractive meeting place with multi-generational play facilities, whilst ingeniously helping to address both flood alleviation and site levels.
These initial enabling works are all being delivered within the £19 million levelling up grant from the UK Government.
Spencer Winter, Project Director at RivingtonHark, commented:
“This planning submission is an important first step in making Smithfield Riverside a reality. The plans will truly unlock the development potential of this area of the town centre, as well as deliver a world class new public space.”
“It’s been great to view the positive comments on the proposals and see that the majority of the public and regional stakeholders are aligned with our thinking, and we’re all pulling in the same direction. The comments and opinions we received have helped influence and shape today’s application.”
Castle Quarter Installs PV Panels on Roof
RivingtonHark Embraces Expansion of ESG Initiatives, Demonstrating a Dedication to Enhancing Environmental, Social, and Governance Efforts
As part of RivingtonHark’s continuing commitment to ensure our assets are sustainable places – in both financial and environmental senses – PV panels have been installed on the roof of Castle Quarter in Norwich, which is one of the largest assets in the portfolio. The transition towards cleaner, renewable energy as part of the overall strategy at our assets has become increasingly important given our focus on environmental responsibility and reducing the carbon footprint of our schemes where we can.
The PV panel installation at Castle Quarter is expected to provide renewable energy equivalent to 5% of the power consumption at the centre and will also reduce the scheme’s reliance on external energy sources and help to protect against rising energy costs. The initiative is part of a wider sustainability strategy at Castle Quarter which has included installation of LED lighting, recycling food waste to create biofuel to power homes and EV charging points in the car park.
Mark Harvey, Head of Asset Management at RivingtonHark commented “We are delighted to have completed the installation of these PV panels as it marks another significant step on the asset’s sustainability journey. This initiative is part of a wider strategic sustainability plan being implemented and underlines our dedication to reducing the environmental impact of our centres.”
Smithfield Riverside, Shrewsbury, Public Consultation
First Round of Public Consultation
Between 18th October and 15th November the project team led by RivingtonHark, undertook the first round of public and stakeholder consultation as the emerging plans for Smithfield Riverside including a new park on Roushill.
Across 8 separate events, a public consultation and website the team engaged with close to 15.000 individuals and organisations.
Formal feedback showed support to the proposals from over 70% of participants.
RivingtonHark take on Royal Victoria Place Asset Management mandate in Tunbridge Wells
Following Tunbridge Wells Borough Council acquisition of the Long Leasehold ownership of Royal Victoria Place from British Land, specialist shopping centre advisors, RivingtonHark, have been appointed to advise on strategic direction and improvements to the shopping centre that will benefit both shoppers and businesses. The day-to-day management will be delivered by Knight Frank.
The 475,000 sq ft asset contains 99 units and is anchored by Fenwick and M and S. The Council has owned the freehold of the centre since it was built in 1992 and believes it is uniquely placed to secure its future and its contribution to the town centre. The Council is committed to ensuring that Royal Victoria Place continues to play a strong role in maintaining the attractiveness of the town for residents, employers, and visitors alike.
The purchase had cross party support.
Mark Williams, Executive Director and co-founder of RivingtonHark said: “RivingtonHark is delighted to support Tunbridge Wells Borough Council following this strategically important acquisition. Royal Victoria Place offers huge potential to improve the wider town offering and we look forward to working with the Borough Council in evolving and influencing those plans.”
This follows mandates to take on Shrewsbury and Fareham regeneration projects this year.