A large agricultural retail store could be the next addition to a multi-million pound Newark development. Plans have been submitted for an 8,000sq ft building for CWG Countrystores Ltd at Malt Park on the former British Diamalt site, next to Northgate Retail Park.
The plans, submitted to Newark and Sherwood District Council, include a garden area and an external storage and a display area. Mr Steve Hampson, a partner in Harlaxton Estates Partnership, Long Bennington Business Park, the developers of the site, said it was an exciting proposal.
He said: "What we like about their proposal is their catchment area is very large, about 30 miles.
"It is going to draw people in to Newark and hopefully they will visit other retailers in the town as well."
Mr Hampson, of Newark, wants to use the site to develop the economic prosperity of the town, create jobs and attract new visitors. It is hoped 100 jobs could be created by the time all the units are filled.
Mr Hampson said CWG dealt in bulky goods that are not suitable for the high street, so it was not taking away a potential business from the town centre.
"The last thing we want to create for Newark is a ghost town. We have got to be conscious that whoever we attract [to the site] doesn’t detract from the retail in the town," he said. He went on to add that CWG wanted to expand but did not have space at its site on Northern Road, Newark, so the move to Malt Park would prevent the firm from moving out of town.
CWG sells a wide range of farm products and equestrian supplies, as well as pet, household and clothing items.
Mr Hampson said the store would be an anchor business for the site and hoped others would be attracted as a result.
The first business to move on to Malt Park was Minster Veterinary Centre. In the summer Hoval Ltd began a long-term lease of a warehouse on the site, allowing the long-established firm to expand its operations in the town.
Leo’s Play Centre opened shortly after, also on a long-term lease, offering indoor play facilities for children up to 12. The centre opens from 10am to 7pm seven days a week and employs about 15 full and part-time staff.
Businesses are being sought for the remaining two units — a front counter style unit with 5,000sq ft of space and a drive-through restaurant.
A decision is due to be made on the CWG store before the end of the year.
Newark Advertiser
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