Landscape architects chosen for second phase of Rushden Lakes

Strata Design has been appointed by LXB as landscape architects on phase two of the £140 million Rushden Lakes shopping and leisure scheme.

It follows the firm’s director Richard Willmott’s previous successful design work and supervision on phase one.

The retail and leisure scheme uniquely combines its location in an area of outstanding natural value with the best in shopping and leisure.

Phase two will build on the notable landscape features in phase one, which include a square mile of lakes and woodland, a boathouse and boardwalk with al fresco waterside dining, wet play area, central water feature and 54m rill.

More than 43 shops and restaurants will open as part of the first phase.

Proposals for phase two include a leisure terrace, 14-screen cinema and more restaurants, with works likely to start later this year.

As work progresses on the scheme, a report published by LXB this week states: “Rushden Lakes is planned in three phases.

“Although the highways works caused several months’ delay, phase one is now largely complete with only landscaping works outstanding.

“M&S, House of Fraser and Primark are fitting out with a view to opening in August or September when the highways works are expected to complete.

“93 per cent of the scheme is now let or in solicitors’ hands.

“As discussed in the chairman’s statement, the group does not anticipate making a meaningful start on phase two until August 2017.

“In terms of phase two lettings, the variation to the Cineworld pre-let to account for the changes in the revised planning application completed in February 2017 and other lettings are progressing well with 94 per cent of this part of the scheme now let or in solicitors’ hands.

“On Phase 3, three pre-lets are in solicitors’ hands.”

A number of restaurants have already been confirmed for the development, and Bill’s has just submitted its application for a new premises licence for units R4 and R5 at the site.

The application includes its proposed opening hours of 8am to 12.30am Monday to Sunday.

It comes after the Northants Telegraph reported in April that Bill’s was recruiting for staff at Rushden Lakes.

Bill’s has dozens of restaurants across the country, including numerous branches in London and several in the Midlands, including Leicester, Nottingham, Leamington Spa and Birmingham.

According to its founder Bill Collison, customers will find all sorts at Bill’s, from good old classics to their take on modern British cuisine.

And because Bill started out as a greengrocer, fresh and seasonal ingredients are the order of the day.

The company looks set to join Pizza Express, Wildwood, Frankie & Benny’s and Chiquito, which have all applied for premises licences at the former Skew Bridge site in recent months.

For more details on all the shops and restaurants confirmed so far for Rushden Lakes, click here