Muller Property Group has submitted a planning application for a retail and residential scheme in the centre of Sandbach within the town centre.
Under the proposals submitted to Cheshire East Council, Muller will re-develop a current brownfield site on Brookhouse Road, adjacent to the town centre’s popular Waitrose store and Post Office, to create 6 ground floor retail units plus 14 residential apartments above.
Speaking about the scheme, Colin Muller, chief executive of the business said, “In bringing this opportunity in front of the Council we are looking to create some modern retail space into the town centre, something that hasn’t been seen for many years.
“Much of the existing retail space is compromised with poor footprints as the buildings are historic and were not built for modern retail use. Our new retail units will be open plan and offer the type of retail space that retailers, and their customers, are looking for.
“Town centres across the UK are battling against increasing business rates and a major change in the way shoppers now behave with a phenomenal rise in the use of the internet and mobile shopping.
“As such retailers need modern space that is attractive to customers and must re-imagine themselves in order to survive and thrive. And that starts with having the right sort of blank canvas for our retailers to work with.”
“Not only are we offering the type of retail space that is in demand, this is a sustainable development and one that will breathe new life into the town centre with its residential/retail mix. It’s the sort of development that Sandbach is lacking.”
Muller has commissioned national agency, Savills to conduct a ‘town centre survey’ of Sandbach. This in-depth report shows that the town centre vitality and viability is healthy, a key indicator being that the vacancy rate remains well below the UK average figure.
The proposed retail development does not require dedicated parking being located a stone’s throw from the underused 147-space Brookhouse Road council car park. The site links to Sandbach High Street via St George’s Walk, some 50 yards to the rear.
Muller is renowned for its ground-breaking mixed residential and retail developments in the local area which, in recent years, include the redevelopment of the former Lamb Hotel in Nantwich, which became Chatterton House as well as developments in Audlem, Alsager, Knutsford and Hale.
