Major step forward for Rushden Lakes

The development of the second and third phases of Northamptonshire retail scheme Rushden Lakes has taken a major step forward after being given the nod by communities secretary Sajid Javid.In May, Rushden Lakes developer LXB Retail said work on the leisure destination could be delayed while its planning application was scrutinised by Javid. The proposals were unanimously approved by East Northamptonshire Council in February 2017.Javid has now announced that the planning application will not be called in, paving the way for LXB to begin work.The company completed its sale of Rushden Lakes to The Crown Estate in May 2016 as part of a forward funding arrangement.Restaurant chain Bill’s has become the latest name to join Rushden Lakes. The company has agreed a pre-let on a 3,100 sq ft unit on phase one of the scheme, bringing the total amount of space occupied to 93 per cent.Anchor tenants at Rushden Lakes are M&S, House of Fraser and Primark. There will also be an 11-screen Cineworld on the site.Last month, M&S confirmed it will open its doors on 28 July 2017.