DIY Ashbourne

The Waterside Park development in Ashbourne has it's first tennant in Homebase, the DIY chain, who will have a 28,000 sq ft superstore on the site.

Cedar House Investments is spearheading the £25 million regeneration scheme and managing director Chris Carlisle said: “We are delighted to have secured such a high-profile and well-respected retail operation which has seen the potential of investing in Ashbourne.

“It’s great news for the town and it marks a significant step forward in what is planned as a major transformation of a 36-acre site.

“Construction work is scheduled to start immediately on the retail phase. A further 8,000 sq ft is already under offer and the interest the development has attracted illustrates the way Ashbourne’s potential is being viewed by retail operators.”

Speaking on behalf of the Ashbourne Town Partnership, manager Andrea Cross said: "We know there are concerns among some retaillers about an out-of-town retail park, but we knew this was on the cards.

"We are now looking forward to working with these new applicants to improve Ashbourne and use their store to attract new people to the town.

"The Partnership is fully aware that Waterside Park is being designed to be visually pleasing, and we have to harness the appeal the finished site will have for the good of the town."

Interest in the land on the other side of the bypass is also said to be strong, with half the site already under offer for a family public house and hotel.

Other outlets are expected to include a petrol station and a drive-through restaurant.

In addition to the shopping area, Waterside Park will offer a 50,000 sq ft business park and residential, leisure and community facilities, and affordable housing.

Mr Carlisle said: "Waterside Park will provide businesses with the sort of facilities the commercial property market in Ashbourne hasn’t been able to offer in the past.

"It will certainly boost the prospects for both retaining jobs in the town and creating a significant number of new employment opportunities.

“An initial development of 10,000 sq ft of superior office units will be completed by autumn 2007 and it is already attracting a substantial number of enquiries.

“Once again, this element of the scheme is attracting national interest from well-known companies who recognise the town’s position as a gateway to the Derbyshire Peak District.

“Overall we are extremely pleased with the way in which our plans for this exciting venture are coming together.

"The scheme is set to breathe new life into part of the town and it will play a significant role in boosting Ashbourne’s economy in the future.”

At least I won't have to go to Belper for a MacDonalds now.

Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-13 05:28:02