News: Irish toy retailer set for Cortonwood

Irish toy retailer, Smyths Toys are set to move into Cortonwood Retail Park in the Dearne Valley, Rotherham.

The deal was secured by BNP Paribas Real Estate on behalf of developers, St Pauls Developments and in conjuction with King Sturge.

In a pre-let deal the toy retailer has signed up to occupy a 15,000 sq ft unit, plus a mezzanine floor, which will form park of the retail park's fourth phase of development. Irish based Smyths operates across the UK and Ireland and specialises in supplying toys, bikes and video games for children of all ages, they currently have 26 stores.

Construction on the unit for the national toy retailer is expected to commence this summer, there are also an additional two units available adjacent to the new Smyths store totalling 7,500 sq ft and 8,500 sq ft.

The park is home to a number of national retailers including Morrisons, B&Q, Next, Matalan Asda Living, Halfords and SCS all of whom report their outlets at the park amongst their top trading stores.

Since the regeneration of the former Cortonwood Colliery site St Pauls Developments has developed over 2.6m sq ft of commercial space, 500,000 sq ft of retail stores and reclaimed and sold in excess of 100 acres of residential land across South Yorkshire.

Charles Hill, senior director of Leeds retail agency at BNP Paribas Real Estate said: "Since its opening Cortonwood has established itself as one of the region's prime out of town shopping locations.

"St Pauls Developments has succeeded in securing an excellent mix of tenants to meet the needs of the surrounding communities and the addition of Smyths will only enhance the park’s appeal further."

David Newton, managing director at St Pauls Developments added: "Cortonwood Retail Park was our first project; having started the regeneration of the site over 20 years ago and understandably we are delighted that we can extend the park further and attract a new influx of exciting occupiers."

St Paul's website
Smyths Toys website
Rotherham

Images: BNP Paribas Real Estate