Willowburn Retail Park, developed by Northumberland Estates – one of the largest and most active developer landlords in the North East – is located in the historic market town of Alnwick, Northumberland. This modern retail destination is easily accessible via the adjacent A1.

Spanning 37,405 sq.ft. of retail floorspace and offering onsite parking for approximately 200 vehicles, Willowburn Retail Park features a diverse range of well-known brands and independent retailers, including Marks & Spencer Food Hall, B&M, Starbucks, and Turnbull’s Butchers & Deli, which showcases local produce.

Designed by Projekt Architects, the development prioritises sustainability and aesthetic appeal while complementing the natural beauty of North Northumberland. To achieve a long-lasting, low-maintenance, and visually striking façade for the retail units, Accoya cladding was specified, providing a durable and sustainable solution.

Timber was the ideal choice for Willowburn Retail Park’s design, providing warmth and authenticity. However, traditional timber often requires frequent maintenance and replacement, presenting a challenge for long-term performance. To address this while meeting environmental and aesthetic demands, Accoya wood was chosen.

Treated through a non-toxic acetylation process, Accoya delivers the natural beauty of wood with outstanding durability, stability, and sustainability. With a 50-year warranty, it offers long-term peace of mind for specifiers and developers.

For this project, Accoya was used in the form of FinishLine cladding from James Latham, machined and factory-finished with a Sansin coating, and installed by Alderclad.

Phase One of the project was completed in 2019, and five years later, Accoya continues to perform exceptionally well, retaining its aesthetic appeal without twisting, warping, or discolouration.

Mark Jansz, Founding Director of Projekt Architects, reflects: “Accoya opens up a whole world of possibilities for natural timber, overcoming traditional challenges related to warranties and long-term performance. Five years on, the Accoya cladding still looks as good as new.”

Alderclad, the installation partner, confirms: “There’s no difference between the cladding installed in Phase Two recently and that fitted five years ago. It has weathered exceptionally well, looking as fresh as the day it was installed.”

Accoya was chosen not only for its durability but also for its ability to blend harmoniously with its surroundings. The semi-rural location of Willowburn Retail Park called for a material that was both sustainable and visually appropriate.

Accoya’s natural colour and long-lasting performance ensure that the development continues to meet the high standards of sustainability and design envisioned by Projekt Architects.

PROJECT DETAILS

Developer: Northumberland Estates
Accoya Distributor: James Latham
Architects: Projekt Architects
Installers: Alderclad