New multi-million pound Midlands Co-op is planned for Oakham
18/12/2008
Plans for a new, multi-million pound Midlands Co-op Superstore in Oakham, Rutland have recently been submitted to the local authority by Leicester architect KPW.
The impressive £4.5m, 3,100m_ building on a two hectare site just outside the town on Burley Road will replace the original Midlands Co-op retail premises which was destroyed by fire in July 2008.
KPW, one of the East Midlands most versatile architectural practices, has been awarded the scheme following a design competition, and it is hoped that the impressive proposals created by the practice will be given the green light by the local planning authority.
If approved, the new superstore will be one of the most eco-friendly retail buildings in the country, featuring natural ventilation to the sales floor (as opposed to air conditioning), maximum use of natural day lighting, and a bio-diversity roof planted with local species together with the retention of the existing 225 space car park. It is designed to achieve a BREEAM Rating of ‘Very Good’ and an Energy Performance Certificate grade ‘A’.
“We are delighted to have been awarded this project,” commented Gareth Share, director, KPW, “And we are pleased that it will offer a solution both in terms of a reduced environmental impact and for the Midlands Co-op shoppers in Oakham who have had to utilise a temporary retail outlet for some time.”
David Melhuish, Development & Facilities Manager, Midlands Co-op added: “The loss of the store at Oakham was a great blow, but it now gives us the opportunity to provide our customers with a modern store while at the same time reducing the environmental impact of the building. We are therefore delighted with the exciting proposals by KPW to construct a highly efficient and environmentally friendly store whilst still meeting all our customer needs and the requirements of an advanced retail operation. We are please to be working with KPW again and are sure they will deliver a store we, and the people of Oakham, can be proud of.”