Developer, asset and facilities manager of The Brunel, FI Real Estate Management has submitted an outline planning application for the redevelopment of The Brunel Centre.
The proposed residential-led, mixed-use redevelopment of 44-45 Canal Walk will consist of two residential towers, with multi-use leisure space on the ground floor accommodating restaurants, cafes and other commercial leisure uses. A ‘pocket park’ will also be created off Farnsby Street.
The final development design was influenced by the community consultation held in July, with local residents and businesses providing feedback on the initial scheme.
84% of respondents were either supportive (65%) or partially supportive (19%) of the proposal in principle.
The multi-storey towers being proposed are up to 20 and 24 storeys in height and totalling up to 290 one and two bedroom apartments.
The scheme incorporates up to approximately 30,000 sq. ft of leisure space, designed to breathe new life into the town centre’s evening economy and act as an anchor for the southern end of the centre, making it more accessible and appealing for residents to use, particularly around Wharf Green.
The redevelopment will also provide the opportunity to enhance the current shopping arcade.
In addition, a much-needed public green-space will be created in place of the concrete access ramp that currently serves the retail units, benefitting shoppers, residents and workers alike.
A spokesperson for FI Real Estate Management said: “We had a lot of positive feedback following the summer consultation and we have refined our plans to ensure that the majority view is accommodated, whilst continuing to maximise the space and remaining true to the development design appraisal. This is a bold and ambitious project which will help transform the town centre, attracting new residents with high quality homes and a more diverse and varied leisure offer to further boost the local economy.”
The scheme has been designed by Ellis Williams Architects and planning consultants WYG.