The boss of engineering consultancy SGi Shepherd Gilmour says the go-ahead to create a major retail park has provided a much-needed ‘post-Brexit boost’.
The Manchester-based civil, structural and environmental engineering outfit were integral in the planning and engineering design for a scheme in south west Wales which will include 10 units, a variety of shops a pub, restaurant and a 521-space car park.
According to developers Conygar, the development will create 260 full time jobs, with more than 100 during the construction phase.
Manchester’s SGi Shepherd Gilmour prepared pre-planning reports along with the full engineering design for the 106,000 sq ft of retail space which is to be spread across ten units. Axis Planning consultants from Wilmslow acted as Planning advisors and the Architects for the scheme is Fletcher Rae from Manchester.
SGi Shepherd Gilmour were also responsible for the design of the already completed roads and drainage systems which will serve the development in Carmarthenshire.
The company also designed the stabilisation of a 90m deep coal mine onsite and managed the relocation of 200,000 tonnes of material to create a brand new playing field for the nearby school.
Emyr Jones, owner and managing director of SGi Shepherd Gilmour, said he was delighted that Carmarthenshire County Council gave permission for Conygar to develop the land at Cross Hands West.
He said: “We started work as the engineers and consultants on Cross Hands Retail Park seven years ago so we’re delighted it’s now been given the go ahead.
“As a Manchester based company we love working in the North West and it’s also great to work with clients throughout the UK.
Cross Hands will provide a Post-Brexit boost to the industry and it’s great to see another project SGi Shepherd Gilmour worked hard on come to fruition.”
SGi Shepherd Gilmour also managed the Japanese Knotweed treatment on the site, which was contained and buried beneath the nearby sports pitches.
The scheme has other links to the North West, with Alderley Edge-based property and investment company, Metier Group originally developing the project.
