Example Key Projects
Ashfield Precinct Centre, Kirkby in Ashfield
In May 2009 The Co-operative Group (Co-op) approached NJL with an existing store within the Ashfield Precinct Centre, which had several vacant units and had become dilapidated in recent years. The application was instigated due to a rival foodstore operator submitting a detailed application for an out of centre foodstore, which would eradicate any future investment potential in the town centre and the proposed wider masterplan.
NJL proposed to submit an Outline application with all matters reserved for a 60,000 sqft retail unit and associated Public Realm, which would have the double effect of being a sequentially superior town centre location and give the Co-op the confidence to invest in the regeneration scheme.
NJL completed a Retail Impact Assessment to ascertain the shopping patterns in the area and identify the need and capacity for convenience food. NJL interrogated the Council's Retail Assessment and used this as evidence to demonstrate the quantitative need and justify the appropriate scale as the area only had capacity for a single main food operator.
Despite local support for the out of centre foodstore we engaged with Local Members and Stakeholders through community involvement to seek their support for the scheme. Through positive engagement with the local community and also the Committee Members it was explained that in order to complete the regeneration of the town centre and achieve their Masterplan priority project, the Council needed to support the Co-op's scheme and refuse the threat to investor confidence.
Using the parameters established by NJL and agreed with the Council, Morrison's have subsequently developed the site.