TWO new businesses could open at a retail park in Colchester after plans showing a desire to split the site's final vacant unit were revealed.

Stane Park, which has welcomed various businesses since work started on the development in September 2020 has just one empty unit left to fill.

The site, built at a cost of £65 million, is currently home to B&Q, Aldi, Cook, Greggs, M&S, Superdrug and Mountain Warehouse.

Most recently, the site also introduced a Furniture Village shop to its premises.

Gazette:

For news updates straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

However, a planning application has now been submitted on behalf of Churchmanor Estates to split the site's final unit so it would be occupied by two separate tenants.

A planning statement reads: “In order to facilitate this, Unit A6 would need to be subdivided, as this unit forms part of the retail terrace and has already been constructed.

“This application therefore proposes amendments to the external elevations of Unit A6 in order to facilitate its occupation by two separate tenants.”

Gazette: Furniture Village was the latest shop to be introduced on Stane ParkFurniture Village was the latest shop to be introduced on Stane Park (Image: Newsquest)

Plans propose the insertion of two separate entrances and a “vertical spandrel panel in the centre of the unit” to separate the businesses.

The application also details the work which would be carried out inside, including a wall which would be put up to divide the two areas, while the floorspace would remain the same. 

However the proposed internal work is not part of the application.

Gazette: The final vacant unit next to Mountain Warehouse has not yet been filledThe final vacant unit next to Mountain Warehouse has not yet been filled (Image: Newsquest)

A cover letter says splitting the lot in two would “positively contribute to the development”, lead to an “increase in the provision of jobs”, “contribution to the local economy” and “improve the vibrancy of the retail park overall.”

It is currently unknown what new businesses could move into the unit but speaking to the Gazette recently a spokesman said “discussions with various occupiers” are taking place.

Churchmanor Estates, the company behind the development, previously worked on the nearby Stane Leisure Park development, which is now home to brands like Nando's, KFC and Starbucks.

Colchester Council will have the final say on the plans.