New retail scheme for Bishop Auckland / June, 2012

The Harris Partnership, appointed by Metric Property Investments PLC, has received planning permission from Durham County Council for Phase One (62,500 sq. ft) of a new retail scheme in Bishop Auckland Shopping Park. The Practice is also about to submit plans for a Phase Two development comprising a further 44,000 sq. ft

The design treatment is modern with its elements informed by the functions and requirements of the incoming tenants and modern construction techniques. The use of cladding will provide a crisp and contemporary appearance which will be balanced by the use of contrasting colours on the doors, curtain walling and timber louvres on the canopy.

The unit entrances and main pedestrian circulation areas are enhanced and linked by the high level canopy, which will also provide protection from the elements. The high level of glazing to the shop frontages below the canopy will allow natural light to penetrate deep into the floor space reducing the reliance upon artificial lighting. The louvres on the canopy and the use of solar reflective coatings to the glazing will further enhance the thermal properties of the buildings to enable the BREEAM target of ‘very good’ to be achieved. Several high profile tenants have already signed up for the first phase, including M&S Simply Food, Next, Boots, Brantano, and Costa Coffee.

Ben Battye, who heads up the Manchester office comments: “We have provided designs that are in keeping with the shopping park’s surroundings but which are ultimately contemporary and will provide a pleasant uplifting environment in which to shop, work and relax.”