CONSTRUCTION of the first phase of a new 'mixed use' development at a Wirral retail park has been completed.

Redsun Projects' site at Croft Retail Park in Bromborough is comprised of four trade counter units and an industrial unit.

Gastronomy Properties Ltd has already bought part of the site for drive-thru units that will be operated under its UK franchise agreement as a Starbucks Café with the addition of a Wendy’s fast-food restaurant. The site will also include some Electric Vehicle charging provision.

Planning consent is already granted for these parts of the development and construction will start imminently.

Lok’nStore has purchased the 24,000 sq. ft. industrial unit to expand its national portfolio of self-storage facilities and Redsun is in detailed discussions with a single occupier to take a lease of all four of the trade counter units.

Designed by Fletcher Rae Architects, the first phase development was built by Caddick Construction.

The second phase of the scheme is expected to begin later this year, with a further 30,000 sq. ft. of trade counter units being built on-site.

Nick Wightman, director at Redsun Projects, said: "We are pleased to deliver this high-quality development on time and in budget, a major testament to the design and construction team who brought our vision for this site to life.

"The exceptional standard of the scheme no doubt contributed to us securing such high-profile occupiers as the Starbucks and Wendy’s brands and Lok’nStore prior to the works being completed.

"We are already talking to businesses that are interested in taking space on the second and final phase on the site, which we hope to be on-site with shortly."

Ian Gill, property director at Gastronomy Properties Ltd, added: "This site is a key strategic location for the expansion of our existing Starbucks portfolio and will enhance our presence on Wirral.

"Through our development and property vehicle, Gastronomy Properties Ltd, and assisted by HSBC, we are able to purchase sites such as this for development for our own occupation and supporting operators."

Tom Lampard, property director at Lok’nStore Group Plc, said: "Lok'nStore has been looking for a suitable location in and around Croft Retail Park for some time and the Redsun scheme delivered the right mix of prominent location and a high quality build.

"We are busy now fitting out the unit with the aim of opening to our first customers at the end of October this year."

Dave Saville, regional managing director of Caddick Construction North West, said: "We’re very proud to have been involved in the first phase of development at Croft Retail Park and Bromborough Industrial Estate which, having secured high profile tenants, has proved the demand for high-quality industrial and retail space in the North West.

"Though we delivered a short build programme, we have ensured that we fulfilled our promise to upskill the future workforce during our time on site."