Rushden Lakes Highway Improvement Works
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Client
LXB Retail Properties Ltd
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Sector
Infrastructure & Design; Retail; Expert Witness
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Location
Nene Valley, Northamptonshire
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Planning Authority
East Northamptonshire District Council
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Description
Major highway improvement works and a new pedestrian/cycle footbridge across a dual carriageway for a mixed-use development
sqm A1 retail
hectares of nature reserve
Project overview
Vectos provided transport planning and highways advice on behalf of LXB (RP) Rushden Ltd for Rushden Lakes Retail Park, a large retail park on land that includes over 81 hectares of nature reserve, classified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
LXB achieved consent for 31,500 sqm of A1 retail in addition to a Garden Centre, restaurants, a 112-bedroom hotel, a Leisure/Health Club, and a drive through Costa Coffee in 2012. It was then “Called In” and approved at Public Inquiry in June 2014.
Our approach
Extensive discussions with the Highways Agency and Northamptonshire County Council led to the development of a design that included major highway improvement works to the Skew Bridge Roundabout and a pedestrian/cycle footbridge across the A45 dual carriageway. This provided wider benefits to the local community, removing the severance of the site and the town of Rushden by the A45.
The site is now served by a dedicated bus service, with the reinstatement of the Bailey Bridge across the River Nene and the improvement of footpaths within the site giving access to neighbouring villages and tourist attractions such as Stanwick Lakes. The SSSI has been integrated to promote increased visitor ‘dwell time’ with a visitor’s centre, marina and boathouse, footpaths and cycle routes.
