I am pleased to confirm that I have been working on proposals for a new, combined ‘Waitrose‘ supermarket and ‘John Lewis at Home’ store in Basingstoke.
As Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Strategy, part of my role is to deliver key strategic projects like this on Basing View – but it is always important to take time to review proposals and decide whether it is in the best interests of residents, because it is proposed that council-owned land is used for the new stores.
After a significant amount of work from Councillors, Council Officers and our development partner – Muse Developments – this is another multi-million pound private sector investment proposed for Basingstoke. Hot on the heels of Airkix opening at Basingstoke Leisure Park, this latest opportunity shows there is a real buzz about the Borough, with major investors wanting to come here and be part of our success story. The new stores would be at the western gateway to Basing View with a piece of land opposite being earmarked for a business class hotel.
I believe this is an exciting proposal and an important endorsement for Basing View as a location, and Basingstoke as a town. This scheme represents an important first phase for the Basing View regeneration project and has the potential to act as a significant catalyst for further investment.
Attracting such high profile retailers to this gateway site, combined with the proposed 150,000sqft Network Rail campus at the eastern end (pictured left), shows the confidence of major companies in the business area’s future success. The stores would provide new facilities for people who work in Basing View and a significant additional draw to Basingstoke town centre, complementing Festival Place and The Malls, whilst supporting the work we are doing to improve the town as a whole.
To progress the scheme, a planning application will need to be submitted by Muse, who would then build the store for Waitrose and John Lewis. Residents, community groups and other businesses would be consulted before any planning application is submitted. If it is approved, it is anticipated that work could start on the site as early as summer 2014, with completion of the scheme by autumn 2015.