Sainsbury's Supermarkets Limited - Penrith New Squares, Penrith
Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd operate a total of 934 stores, comprising 557 supermarkets and 377 convenience stores. The Sainsbury's brand is built upon a heritage of providing customers with healthy, safe, fresh and tasty food. Quality and fair prices go hand-in-hand with a responsible approach to business.
Project Description:
The scheme comprises a complex extension to an historic Cumbrian town centre to provide: 55,000 sq ft supermarket; 1,007 space multi storey car park; 15,000 sq ft offices; 8,000 sq ft A2/A3 non food retail units; 203 residential units; 80,000 sq ft A1 non-food retail units.
Henry Riley has undertaken a full project management and CDMC service across both contracts and have also been retained as cost consultants on the Sainsbury's Supermarkets Limited element, which comprises not only the food store, but also the multi story car park and office block.
The design of the main retail, residential and public realm areas are traditional to reflect the "Penrith vernacular" with major use of stone, colonnades and market areas.
An enabling works contract to prepare the site for development included the demolition and re-siting of Penrith Town football ground to a new location on the edge of the town, together with significant ground remediation, highways alterations and watercourse and utility diversions.
The scheme was affected by the recession in September 2008 when the funders for Lowther Manelli withdrew from the contract. This led to the scheme being suspended, contractors leaving site and Lowther Manelli going into receivership. Since this event, Henry Riley has worked closely with Eden District Council and Sainsbury's who have 'stepped in' to support the development agreement. This involved significant value engineering and re-phasing of the scheme to attempt to improve its viability.
Sustainability:
- The scheme is designated "an exemplar for sustainability in the Eden district" by the planning committee.
- The client's design team quickly engaged with local interested parties and Agenda 21 to introduce Renewable and Sustainable ideas.
Key Challenges:
- The Council's requirements to maintain 300 car parking spaces throughout the construction period whilst maintaining access to the existing town centre and significant phasing of the works.
Form of Contract: JCT with Contractors Design Form of Contract
