MILLIONS of pounds of investment has been uncorked this week to create a new shopping arena, apartments, parking and enhanced headquarters for The Westmorland Gazette.

The newspaper's parent company, Newsquest Media Group, and Maple Grove Developments have signed a deal centred on Gazette land, paving the way for a major re-development in the heart of Kendal.

The last barrier to construction work starting was overcome when Edwin John Booth, chairman of E.H. Booth, secured an off-licence for his new supermarket an integral part of the scheme.

The venture is expected to provide scores of jobs as the new store behind the Gazette offices will be three times the size of the existing Highgate Booths, while up to eight new retail units will also be created.

A two-deck public car park will have 190 spaces to be managed by South Lakeland District Council, with a further upper level supporting seven new apartments backing onto Low Fellside.

Up to 18 new flats will be built as part of the development, along with new offices and a spacious piazza alongside Booths.

Maple Grove Develop-ments, of the Eric Wright Group, have acquired Daniel Gray Hair and Beauty Salon premises, and hope to integrate it into the scheme. Revised plans for the proposed north yard shops and apartments on the Entry Lane car park behind WHSmith and incorporating the Daniel Gray property - are to go before planners.

A new Gazette shop will be in a parade of retail units in Yard 28. Until purpose-built offices for staff are ready, a temporary reception area for customers will open on the Entry Lane car park from Monday (January 20). A model of the development will be displayed there for a short period.

Gazette editor and publisher Mike Glover said: "I am absolutely delighted that, after all these years, the disused back lot of The Westmorland Gazette has been opened up to the benefit of the town.

"It is a very exciting development which will transform the landscape and, even better, will provide a modern, comfortable home for The Westmorland Gazette in the heartland of Kendal for many years to come."

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Collins said: "It is good news to hear that jobs and new investment are coming into Kendal at a time when the town greatly needs a boost to both."

Jim Carter, of Maple Grove, was "very pleased" at the done deal, which he said spelled a £20 million investment for Kendal.

He said those involved in the scheme had been waiting with baited breath as more than three years of planning and negotiations hinged on the licensing decision.

"The last big hurdle was Booths getting an off-licence for the store," he explained.

But justices approved the application without question on Tuesday.

Mr Carter assured it was now "absolutely full steam ahead", adding: "It has been a long process but it is a complex scheme. However, it is a scheme which, for all its complexities, I feel passionately will be something we will feel proud of."

He said Booths on Highgate would ultimately close, and the premises would be let.

SLDC's economic and development portfolio holder Coun Noel Spendlove said: "Anything that involves the expansion of an existing, successful business such as Booths must be good for employment."

He voiced some concern the development could impact on "less fashionable" parts of town, such as Kirkland. But he said an attractive town centre was crucial for bringing in visitors, as was the provision of local well-paid jobs to ensure residents had disposable income to benefit Kendal's economy.

Economy and development manager Richard Greenwood commended the mixed use of the development, saying: "One of the best aspects is that people will be able to live so close to where they work and shop."

Edwin Booth said he was glad to be able to develop within the town, and was pleased the new store would offer easy access to motorists, pedestrians and public transport users.

Asked about competition from nearby M&S and out-of-town supermarkets, he said the stores served different markets but added: "Competition is healthy for stimulating quality of service and value."

January 17, 2003 09:30