L3P undertook a number of developments for Focus DIY before the company’s demise in 2011. All of these properties are now occupied by other retailers, highlighting the quality of the development locations.
OSWESTRY Shropshire
Originally intended to be occupied by Great Mills DIY, the Penda Retail Park development on the site of the former Furrows Ford dealer on Salop Road also houses Carpetright and Halfords. The 28,000 sq ft store was initially occupied by Focus DIY following their merger with Great Mills and later assigned to Homebase.
GILLINGHAM Dorset
Also originally planned for Great Mills, this was the first new Focus DIY store to open after the merger. The site is close to Waitrose and adjacent to the town centre and was formerly occupied by Sherman Chemicals who relocated to purpose-built premises in the town. The 27,000 sq ft unit is now occupied by Asda.
FAKENHAM Norfolk
Located on the Fakenham Enterprise Park, close to Morrisons, this 26,000 sq ft unit was the subject of intense planning negotiations! The store is now occupied by B&Q.
NORTH WALSHAM Norfolk
Now occupied by Waitrose, this 28,000 sq ft unit on Cromer Road was developed on land formerly occupied by Crane Fruehauf. L3P acquired the site from the former East of England Development Authority.
RETFORD Notts
Located on Moorgate, opposite Morrisons, L3P acquired this former bus depot for a 23,000 sq ft Focus DIY store, which is now occupied by Family Bargains.
AMESBURY Wiltshire
Focus DIY originally occupied this 26,500 sq ft store, located on London Road, which is now trading as B&M Retail. The former distribution warehouse site is close to Tesco and the A303.
BUCKINGHAM Bucks
Located adjacent to the A421 bypass, this 26,200 sq ft store built for Focus DIY is now occupied by Aldi and Pets at Home.
TETBURY Glos
Just prior to Focus DIY going into Administration, consent was granted for a 26,000 sq ft store in Tetbury, by Cotswold District Council. The store was to have incorporated a number of new environmental and sustainable elements not seen before in a DIY store in the UK at the time.
