Centros Miller

Changes to Centros Plans - 5 Feb 08

Late last month the Bulk Ward councillors met with planning officer Andrew Dobson for an update on Centros Miller’s plans. We understand that the following issues were discussed at this meeting. Please be aware, however, that this was an informal meeting between the Ward Councillors and Mr Dobson. Points under discussion included:

* There are significant problems with the original traffic assessment carried out by Centros and the Council have asked other traffic consultants to review any new traffic work by Centros.
* Retail consultants White Young Green are not happy with Centros’ retail study and the planning office does not think that it demonstrates the need for so much extra retail.
* Centros appears to have floated the possibility of removing the bridge linking with St. Nicholas Arcade in response to concerns from English Heritage and others. The planning office is concerned that without the bridge very few people will cross from the canal corridor development to the existing city centre.

In light of these problems and current economic circumstances, Centros Miller are rethinking the whole design concept and details of their plans. This will result in a substantially revised application in May 2008 followed by a further period of consultation.

* The new plan would include a 40,000 sq feet new food store occupied by Booths which will be on the lower car park with a frontage on St Leonardsgate and going up to the Grand.
* Debenhams would move to the opposite end of the site almost fronting on Moor Lane
* The road layout and layout of the square would change
* The streets now would become "eclectic streets" with more small shops
* The height of the whole development would be reduced to the minimum or below the minimum in the original plans

As we said, this is a statement of latest thinking, not a firm set of proposals. But we will let you know as soon as we hear anything more.