A new retail and leisure complex has been delivered in Northamptonshire as the final phase of the scheme reached completion.

Winvic, who served as contractor on each of the three phases, first began work on Rushden Lakes in January 2016 for LXB Retail Properties and fund The Crown Estate.

The final phase, Garden Square, has extended the existing retail space, and united the south side of Rushden Lakes with Phase 2's western leisure terrace, which was handed over in January 2019. All specialist fit out contractors were able to commence on time, and phased handovers have been successfully completed allowing leisure operators and stores to open to the public as soon as possible.

Garden Square comprises ten high quality units – totalling 30,000 sq ft – which will soon be occupied by a range of leading retailers including Skechers, Barbour, Hotter, Beaverbrooks and Three. Final fit out works are currently being undertaken by specialists and it is expected the 14-screen cinema will be open at the end of June, and Garden Square retail units in the coming months. As the name Garden Square suggests, the piazza which the boutique retail units surround also features a unique, enclosed garden space for visitors to enjoy. The concept was to provide a quiet, green space for shoppers that could also be transformed into a location for outdoor events and pop-up shops.

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The third phase is in line with the natural and distinctive design ethos of Rushden Lakes, which is surrounded by 200 acres of Nene Wetlands. Rushden Lakes now comprises a total of 450,000 sq ft of shops and restaurants, a Cineworld IMAX cinema, three leisure service providers, pontoons and boathouse and a lakeside visitors centre.

Robin Orgill, Winvic's Construction Director, commented: "As with the two previous phases of Rushden Lakes, we were able to complete Garden Square quickly, efficiently and cost effectively within a multifaceted programme comprising many end user enhancements within a live environment. The retail and green space is a high quality addition to the existing complex, providing a corner of relaxation for visitors as well as ten boutique shops. We have delivered Phase 3 with our usual attention to detail and commitment to design and environmental standards, and it has been a pleasure to work with LXB, The Crown Estate and a huge number of end users over the past four years and make this scheme a success all round."

(CM/MH)