Inspiration from London’s Finest to Deliver High Quality Scheme in Morpeth
26 Mar 2009
WCEC, architects at Morpeth’s new Sanderson Arcade are taking their inspiration from some of London’s finest shopping streets to deliver a high class scheme in the Northumberland market town.
WCEC, working for Morpeth II - the development team of Ethel Austin Properties and Dransfield Properties – are creating an Edwardian style arcade with great attention to design detail to create a unique shopping environment.
As part of their research into creating a traditional feel to the scheme the architects visited London’s Burlington Arcade for inspiration on design and ambience.
Work has started this week on the shop fronts in Morpeth’s own covered arcade which will all be made from timber with traditional Edwardian detailing.
Managing Director of Morpeth II, Mark Dransfield, said: “Morpeth is a beautiful and affluent market town and we want to create a scheme that has the style and sophistication of somewhere like Burlington Arcade. We are putting a great deal of thought into the look and design of the shops and the arcade itself so that when people walk in it will really have the wow factor.”
Sanderson Arcade is already 70 per cent let - retailers opening for trade include Fat Face, M&S, New Look, Waterstones and East. Local bespoke jewelers The Jewelers Guild and health food store Advanced Nutrition are also moving to the new development.
The first shops in the arcade are due to open later in the spring with more store openings through the summer and autumn. M&S will open their 36,160 sq ft store in November. The development is bringing forward 90,000 sq ft of retail space as well as first floor offices.
Gavin Ward, partner at WCEC Architects, said: “This wonderful old market town has suffered from some poor 20th century development and planning. Using a variety of traditional designs and materials together with high quality public realm this scheme will put a sympathetic and coherent heart back into Morpeth town centre. It has been a delight to work for a client with such foresight and enthusiasm for design. “
For further information about Sanderson Arcade visit the website at www.sandersonarcade.co.uk