WINVIC PRESSES AHEAD WITH STEEL ERECTION ON RUSHDEN LAKES PHASE 2

National multi-disciplinary construction contractor Winvic has begun Phase 2 work on the esteemed retail and leisure development, Rushden Lakes. The steel frame for the 28 metre high cinema building is currently being erected. At the same time, the western retail terrace and the leisure facility steel frames have also commenced with an overall 20 week assembly programme. External cladding is due to immediately follow with an anticipated start date of 29th January.

Winvic’s delivery of Phase 1 went extremely smoothly and the company’s experience and commitment to managing a project of this scale, with the challenges it brings, was evident from the start. LXB is therefore thrilled that the partnership with Winvic is continuing on Rushden Lakes Phase 2 and the units are already evolving at pace.

 

LXB Retail Principal, Jon McCarthy

Working with tenants to accommodate over 300 variations and enhancements without delaying the programme was a particularly satisfying accomplishment in the first phase, and I’m looking forward to continued liaison with the 20 plus occupiers that will have new premises in Northamptonshire in less than a year’s time.”

The LXB Retail Properties scheme funded by The Crown Estate is the first example of an innovative design that reimagines the retail experience; the varied leisure facilities offer a more memorable experience. With the landscape of the retail sector being shaped by the rise in online, physical shopping must evermore fulfil the demand for engagement and entertainment, making it a personally tailored event. Rushden Lakes is a destination.

Winvic Construction Ltd. completed Rushden Lakes Phase 1 in July 2017 after 66 weeks and accommodated 35 retailers. Phase 2 will be completed by January 2019, and boasts a 14 screen cinema and 4 other leisure units, between 10 and 13 restaurants, 5 spaces for retailers and additional car parking. Construction can be watched on a live camera feed on Winvic’s website, and at the end of each month time lapse footage becomes available.

Phase 2 steel erection coincides with Winvic releasing of a three minute project-profile video, which outlines the story of the development so far. It showcases the retail and leisure destination using drone footage and bite-sized facts and comprises details about high-profile unit occupiers such as House of Fraser and Cineworld, build phases, durations and specifications, and construction methods, processes and sustainability.

Visitors to Rushden Lakes contemporary retail experience can enjoy a day out shopping, but also take advantage of:

• Canoe2 facility with access to the lake via 3 separate pontoons
• Wet play area
• Timber decked boardwalk overlooking the lake
• 5km nature walk in the adjacent forest
• Nene Wetlands Visitor Centre
• Cinema
• Indoor trampolining, rock climbing and children’s play centre
• A large number of restaurants and cafes

Richard Black, project manager for Winvic Construction Ltd on both Phases of the construction of Rushden Lakes, said: “When steel work is going up and buildings become more than drawings, it is an exciting stage for any project. However, Rushden Lakes is a landmark development in the UK, for its size and modern take on how people will interact in a retail and leisure space. Therefore, we are thrilled to have been contracted by LXB to drive this second phase for them and The Crown Estate, following the success of the first.

“Many challenges that come with such a significant project have been highlighted in the project profile video. These include the creation of piled retaining walls by the lake, extensive work to highways accommodate new traffic flow and moving 25,000m³ of earth for flood alleviation measures. Working with tenants to accommodate over 300 variations and enhancements without delaying the programme was a particularly satisfying accomplishment in the first phase, and I’m looking forward to continued liaison with the 20 plus occupiers that will have new premises in Northamptonshire in less than a year’s time.”

LXB Retail Principal, Jon McCarthy, added: “Winvic’s delivery of Phase 1 went extremely smoothly and the company’s experience and commitment to managing a project of this scale, with the challenges it brings, was evident from the start. LXB is therefore thrilled that the partnership with Winvic is continuing on Rushden Lakes Phase 2 and the units are already evolving at pace.”

For more information about Winvic or to discuss a project tender with the business development team, please visit www.winvic.co.uk. Or keep up to date with our news and views by following us on Twitter – search WinvicLtd.