Sainsbury's and Busy Bees announced as first tenants of Priors Hall Park new district centre

Date Added 18 December 2018


Plans for the new district centre at Priors Hall Park are shaping up well, with Sainburys signed for the food store element and Busy Bees set to establish a new day nursery for 120 children.

Proposals for the landscaped district centre include six smaller units (ranging from 800sqft–1,200sqft) that will be available for retail and takeaways, four smaller commercial spaces (each the size of a double garage) to host businesses run by local residents and a gym, which will be built at a later stage of the residential development.

Planning applications for the new district centre and day nursery are expected to be submitted early in the new year and, subject to planning permission, tenants will start to move in late 2019/early 2020.

Nigel Wakefield, Development Director for Urban&Civic, said: “We are very excited to be bringing forward a district centre to meet the needs of the local community and are delighted that Sainsburys and Busy Bees are on board.  Discussions are also taking place with a number of potential occupiers for the smaller retail units.  We will be working with local residents to ensure the district centre provides a focal point for the development that meets local aspirations.”

Busy Bees, which was founded in 1983, is the UK’s leading provider of quality childcare. It is committed to providing quality care for every child in a safe, caring environment; meeting each child’s individual social, physical and emotional needs.  The nursery at Priors Hall Park will provide spaces for 120 children from 0-5years old.

Steve Eccleston, Development Director at Busy Bees, said: “We’re thrilled to have signed a contract for a brand-new nursery at Priors Hall Park, meeting the needs of families in the local community. The nursery will be fitted out to the highest standard, providing childcare and exciting opportunities for learning that gives children the best start in life as they prepare for school.”

Busy Bees was recently recognised for its social mobility programme and dedication to quality training for its early years’ apprentices, receiving the Queen’s Award for enterprise: Promoting Opportunity 2018.