The first phase of a £30 million redevelopment of Kenilworth town centre has been hailed by business leaders and property experts in mid-Warwickshire.

The new Waitrose store in Talisman Square was unveiled in July and is already benefiting the Kenilworth economy.

More than 200 jobs will be created and Waitrose is attracting shoppers from throughout Warwickshire, not only to the new store, but also to other businesses in the town.

The 25,000 sq ft store and its 288-space car park completes the first stage of the major redevelopment in Kenilworth, with further work to come.

It is also the first Waitrose store to be opened in Warwickshire, bringing its high-quality offer to the area.

Sally Carrick, chair of the Kenilworth Town Centre Partnership, and Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce board member, is delighted with the opening of the supermarket.

She said: “The arrival of Waitrose here in the heart of Kenilworth is a very important event, not just for Kenilworth residents, but for shoppers throughout Warwickshire.

“We are fortunate enough to already have two good supermarkets as well as many independent specialist shops, and with the addition of the Waitrose store, we look forward to the growth in footfall in our lovely town of Kenilworth.

“Waitrose have invested heavily in our town, and we support them wholeheartedly.

“We were aware that they had a choice as to where to locate their store, and we were delighted when they chose Kenilworth – their first store in Warwickshire.

“It will ensure that all of us involved in the commercial structure of Kenilworth will continue to improve our standards of service and products.”

Hugo Hawkings, of developers Colbalt Estates (Kenilworth) said: “This is the first step to a renaissance of Talisman Square.

“This is the key store in a wider scheme which will change the face of Kenilworth. It will enhance the food shopping opportunities and add significantly to the regeneration of the town.”

Bill Wareing, of agents Wareing and Co, who acted for developers Cobalt Estates (Kenilworth) in helping to attract Waitrose, said the store would be a strong magnet to other retailers.

“Having such a leading retailer really will help further put Kenilworth on the retail map and will undoubtedly make other national stores sit up and take notice.”


Bill Wareing and Sally Carrick