Centros Miller - Mixed-Use Development - Bridgend, Appointed to Manage Redevelopment of Rhiw Centre

Date: 10 Nov 2006

Belfast-based William Ewart Properties is to redevelop the Rhiw Centre in Bridgend, South Wales, and has appointed urban regeneration specialist Centros Miller as development manager for the scheme.

Ewart's proposals envisage tripling the size of the existing shopping centre to around 300,000 sq ft (27,870 sq m) to include a 65,000 sq ft (6,038 sq m) department store and A3 leisure uses.

The scheme would be part refurbishment and part redevelopment on an extended site. It would be a two-level open pedestrianised scheme with canopies over the street and will provide 30 new shop units and 500 car spaces.

The freehold of the existing Rhiw Centre was bought by Ewart from Great Portland Estates in November 2004. Built in 1972 and refurbished in 1992 by then owner Chartwell Land, the 100,000 sq ft (9,290 sq m) covered centre has 24 shops including Boots, WH Smith, JJB Sports and Game, and an indoor market with over 30 stalls, which is operated by the local authority and would be relocated.

The Rhiw Centre is fully let and is bounded by Caroline Street, Queen Street, Nolton Street and The Rhiw.

Outline planning consent will be sought from Bridgend County Borough Council for the new scheme next year. The proposals are designed to meet the aspirations of both Ewart and the council.

The town centre has in recent years been the focal point of a series of local authority regeneration initiatives, including extensive pedestrianisation and substantial improvements to the public realm, backed by Welsh Assembly and European funding.

Acheson Elliott, development director of William Ewart Properties, says of their plans:
"We purchased the Rhiw Centre for its redevelopment potential and we are confident that, with the help of Centros Miller, we can create a retail environment of which the people of Bridgend will be proud."

John Laker, managing director of Centros Miller, comments: "This is our second involvement in south Wales, having previously developed a retail scheme in Pontypool, and we believe our expertise in this sector will help to regenerate Bridgend and provide a more exciting shopping experience."

Architect on the scheme is Holder Mathias and letting agent is E J Hales.

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