Third and final phase features 30,000 sq ft of boutique retail space and an events piazza
Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor specialising in turnkey solutions for industrial, build-to-rent, student accommodation, commercial and retail projects, has completed Phase 3 of Rushden Lakes for LXB Retail Properties and fund The Crown Estate. It marks the final step in the creation of the Northamptonshire lakeside retail and leisure complex, which Winvic first started constructing in January 2016.
The third and final phase – Garden Square – has extended the existing retail space, and united the south side of Rushden Lakes with Phase 2’s western leisure terrace, which was handed over in January 2019. Winvic has therefore carefully managed the process of working within a live retail environment during the construction of Phase 2 and 3 and, as with the initial delivery, controlled complex programming to accommodate a large number of distinct enhancements requested by tenants. All specialist fit out contractors were able to commence on time, and phased handovers have been successfully completed allowing leisure operators and stores to open to the public as soon as possible.
Garden Square comprises ten high quality units – totalling 30,000 sq ft – which will soon be occupied by a range of leading retailers including Skechers, Barbour, Hotter, Beaverbrooks and Three. Final fit out works are currently being undertaken by specialists and it is expected the 14-screen cinema will be open at the end of June, and Garden Square retail units in the coming months. As the name Garden Square suggests, the piazza which the boutique retail units surround also features a unique, enclosed garden space for visitors to enjoy. The concept was to provide a quiet, green space for shoppers that could also be transformed into a location for outdoor events and pop-up shops. Garden Square comprises:
- Insect habitats
- Logs and boulders to encourage natural play
- Biodiverse planting and trees perfect for bees and butterflies
- Bronze ‘knitted leaf’ sculptures set in the paving
- A drinking fountain
- USB charging points
The third phase is in line with the natural and distinctive design ethos of Rushden Lakes, which is surrounded by 200 acres of Nene Wetlands. Rushden Lakes now comprises a total of 450,000 sq ft of shops and restaurants, a Cineworld IMAX cinema, three leisure service providers, pontoons and boathouse and a lakeside visitors centre; it is set within an exceptional built and natural environment, and includes a nature walk and wraparound lakeside boardwalk with children’s splash zone. Winvic has successfully completed all phases of the retail and leisure destination on time and to budget, with works including design, civils, infrastructure, build, landscaping and fit out.
Robin Orgill, Winvic’s Construction Director, commented: “As with the two previous phases of Rushden Lakes, we were able to complete Garden Square quickly, efficiently and cost effectively within a multifaceted programme comprising many end user enhancements within a live environment. The retail and green space is a high quality addition to the existing complex, providing a corner of relaxation for visitors as well as ten boutique shops. We have delivered Phase 3 with our usual attention to detail and commitment to design and environmental standards, and it has been a pleasure to work with LXB, The Crown Estate and a huge number of end users over the past four years and make this scheme a success all round.”
Jon McCarthy, Principal at LXB Retail, added: “Winvic’s commitment to Rushden Lakes has been outstanding, each phase has been delivered with passion and a ‘can do’ attitude which has been very refreshing. From commercial considerations to meeting the needs of tenants, we have worked in partnership to deliver a special retail and leisure destination for the people of Northamptonshire and beyond.”
View timelapse footage of the leisure phase during construction: https://youtu.be/dgMBPF0JRbU
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