The construction works are nearing completion with Bowmer and Kirkland due to hand over the shell development works early September. The fit out of a number of units has commenced and Morrisons is expected to open in October.
The fit out of the cinema has now kicked off with an opening planned for early December, which is just in time to catch all the Christmas film releases. If anyone would like any further details relating to the progress of the cinema, The Light has set up a Facebook page which they are regularly updating.
Home Bargains is expected to commence its fit out in September and the new store over looking the car park should be open in November.
Neptune is confident of securing a number of national chain restaurant operators for the units next to the marine lake. Legal negotiations have commenced with a number of restaurants and are now at an advanced stage and we hope to be able to confirm names in a few weeks time.
Turning to the standalone building at the western end of the site, we are currently discussing proposals with the Council to introduce a soft play area and outdoor splash pool into this part of the scheme.
This is in part a response to difficulties in securing a health and fitness club operator in the current economic climate and partly picking up on suggestions made by the local community that we should look to include uses that would be more attractive to youngsters.
The proposals by the operator – GloPlay- include a 5 level play frame, a baby and toddler area, a ceramic studio and an outdoor splash park with heated splash pool. The latter element will provide a better neighbour to the play area and will address concerns expressed to us regarding the capacity of the Lido that has been constructed. The splash pool area will also be designed for conversion into an outdoor ice rink in winter.