Developments

Introduction

Mixed Use Regeneration

For many years, CSC has focused on major regeneration schemes; all our centres were built on brownfield land. The company’s expertise lies in the creation of schemes tailor-made to their location, creating retail-led mixed use development experience that responds to the needs of the local community and contributes to its economic vitality. Our shopping centres include a mix of leisure activities, including restaurants and cafés and, as appropriate, incorporate cinemas, bowling, ice-rinks, indoor funfairs, leisure centres, office and residential accommodation.

Long-Term Investment

The company strongly believes that the long-term performance of its shopping centres is inextricably linked with the long-term success of the towns and cities in which they are located. CSC has the ability to provide first class modern facilities that blend with the traditional fabric of a town, integrating and improving local transport, enhancing the urban scene and creating new employment opportunities.

We recognise the importance of working closely with the local community. Our schemes demonstrate our ability and understanding of working in partnership with local authorities, whether through co-ownership, such as at Eldon Square in Newcastle, or as planning authority, in the case of, The Chimes in Uxbridge. The early establishment of these relationships and structured lines of communication enable the effective resolution of key issues.

Delivery and Understanding of Occupiers’ Requirements

CSC’s ability to deliver projects within agreed timescales is based on setting realistic targets coupled with the knowledge that areas of risk need to be identified and managed at the outset. This approach has ensured that once construction has started a clear programme is identified and each of our developments has been completed on programme. Each of our existing centres has been developed to meet the requirements of one or more major department stores and understanding retailers’ operational needs underlies this approach. For example, the schemes in Nottingham, Bristol, Watford and Newcastle all include a John Lewis, and in addition, proposals are being developed to incorporate a department store for them in Oxford, Cardiff and other possible locations.

Consultation and Community Involvement

Key to the successful delivery of our projects has been extensive consultation with the public and stakeholders. CSC believes that consultation and design are an evolutionary and combined process. Consultation begins at the start of a project and continues through the development period and beyond. Our centre management teams maintain close relationships with the local stakeholders and regular research helps to ensure that the centre responds to the needs of its local community.