SPRUCEFIELD

28 AUGUST 2008

NEW PLANNING APPLICATION FOR SPRUCEFIELD
REQUEST FOR EXPEDITED PUBLIC INQUIRY
JOHN LEWIS TO ANCHOR DEVELOPMENT
UNITS REDUCED FROM 29 TO 19

 

Westfield and Snoddons have today submitted a new planning application for their Sprucefield development.

The scheme will ensure Sprucefield meets its role as a regional shopping centre. In framing the new application, Westfield has responded positively to local feedback about the original scheme, particularly the number of units.

The scheme consists of a John Lewis department store plus 19 units totalling 50,000 square metres that provide a vibrant mix of fashion, homeware and leisure goods and complement the existing retail experience on offer in Northern Ireland. Additionally a number of cafes and eateries will complete the shopping experience offered at Sprucefield.

The revised proposal has been scaled back to a single level scheme with 19 units – a 34% reduction on the original number. The car park has been reconfigured to provide more than 3,000 roof deck and surface car parking spaces with direct access to the shops.

At the same time, Westfield intends to apply for a public hearing under Article 31 of the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 so that the Sprucefield scheme can be subjected to a public inquiry.

Steven Hassel, Development Director at Westfield said: “Westfield is committed to delivering the Sprucefield development and the substantial economic and social benefits the scheme will bring to the people of Northern Ireland. This project has been subject to serious delay. It is a scheme of regional significance in Northern Ireland and we believe that a public inquiry should be held as soon as possible so that the community and economy can benefit from the enhanced retail offer provided by the scheme and the 2,000 jobs that will be created.

“The involvement of John Lewis shows huge confidence in the future of shopping in Northern Ireland. Consumers should be encouraged that we continue to receive considerable interest from other leading retailers keen to open at Sprucefield.

“We urge the authorities to expedite, without delay, a public inquiry so that the benefits this scheme will bring to Northern Ireland, as an investment and amenity, can be realised as soon as possible.”

Gareth Thomas, Director, Retail Design & Development, John Lewis said “We are extremely confident in the future of retailing in Northern Ireland and the Sprucefield scheme. We hope to offer an unrivalled customer service and outstanding choice and value for our customers. Our co-ownership business model sets us apart from our competitors and we are looking forward to the opportunity to bring the John Lewis Partnership to Northern Ireland for the first time.”

Sam Harris, Director, Snoddons Construction Ltd, said: “We’re very much looking forward to taking this scheme forward, subject to planning approval. The revised proposals are a reflection of the feedback received in the previous application and, together with Westfield, we have worked hard to reflect the requirements of the community. The crucial aspect now is to progress this application as quickly as possible, via a public inquiry, which will ensure that the benefits this scheme will bring not only to Lisburn but to Northern Ireland as a whole in terms of employment and retail offer, can be realised as quickly as possible.”

 

The £150 million development is expected to generate a total of 2,000 new jobs, of which 700 are likely to be in John Lewis, and more than 500 created during the construction phase.

 

***

 

Westfield Group

The Westfield Group (ASX code: WDC) is an internally managed, vertically integrated shopping centre group undertaking ownership, development, design, construction, funds/asset management, property management, leasing and marketing activities and employing in excess of 5,000 staff worldwide.  It has investment interests in 118 shopping centres across Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom and New Zealand, encompassing in excess of 23,000 retail outlets. With a total value in excess of A$63 billion, the Westfield Group is the largest retail property group in the world by equity market capitalisation.

WestfieldUK

In the UK, Westfield has seven operating centres in Tunbridge Wells, Nottingham, Guildford, Belfast, Lisburn, Merry Hill and Westfield Derby - a £340m development which opened on 9th October last year.

Westfield has three major urban regeneration projects; the £1.6bn landmark Westfield London which on completion on 30 October this year will be the largest shopping centre in Greater London; Westfield Stratford City, adjacent to the site of the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games; and Westfield Bradford – the £320m mixed use scheme at the heart of the city.

Snoddons Construction Ltd

Snoddons Construction Ltd is a development and investment company

In Private Housing Development, Snoddons have completed over 2500 houses and are synonymous with quality developments, winning national awards on some of their schemes.

In commercial development, Snoddons were joint developers with Stannifer on Phase I of Sprucefield Regional Centre and are currently involved with Westfield on Phase II.  Other current schemes include Royal Exchange in Belfast – a £400 million retail-led regeneration scheme with ING Ltd and William Ewart Properties Ltd.

In conjunction with Killultagh Properties Ltd, Snoddons are developing a 350 acre mixed use scheme incorporating office, residential and employment space adjacent to Sprucefield which will provide significant job creation in the area.  Planning permission for the 1^st phase is expected in 2009.

With respect to investment properties, Snoddons have investments in five shopping centres in England and have a substantial investment in a portfolio of ten centres in Germany.