Another DIY store to be bulldozed for apartments

Following a trend that we're starting to see in various parts of the UK, DIY sheds are being sold off and bulldozed to be replaced by prime residential accommodation.

In this case, under plans unveiled by Galliard Homes and Aviva Investors, a total of around 1,200 homes in towers containing up to 48 storeys are to be built on the site of the 46,000 sq ft B&Q Supercentre on Cantium Retail Park in the Old Kent Road. The 1,200 homes will include a range of options from studios to 4 bedrooms, with 35% affordable homes.

As well as the B&Q, Cantium Retail Park also has a Halfords and a Pets at Home.

Initial proposals were revealed at a public exhibition last Thursday and there will be another opportunity to see the plans on Monday 26th March. The tallest elements of the new proposal are towers of 48 and 36 storeys, with the taller block at the north-eastern corner of the site, where the B&Q Supercentre is located today.

The developers say that the redevelopment will include more retail and commercial space and that they are in discussions with the existing tenants about the possibility of opening outlets as part of the scheme. As well as homes and commercial space, Galliard and Aviva are proposing a "destination space suitable for a creative, cultural or educational institution".

A second public exhibition is planned for spring/summer 2018, with a full planning application to Southwark Council not expected before the summer.

Earlier this month, Homebase confirmed that their last remaining store in Reading would close, to be replaced by 765 residential homes.

Read - Homebase Reading clears stock as it prepares to close.

Source: Insight DIY Team

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