The projects include the third phase of the upgrade of the Walkden Town Centre shopping area; the delivery of new build retail units at the Junction 9 Retail Park in Warrington; and the creation of an additional 48,000 sq ft of retail space at the Kilner Way Retail Park in Sheffield.
In Walkden, Russells has created an extra 20,000 sq ft of retail space across 16 new units at the centre, along with new carparking. It was the third of four phases of a £60m expansion of the Ellesmere Centre by Derwent. The retail development, which provides a total in excess of 550,000 sq ft of space in both an indoor arcade and large warehouse style units, already houses a Tesco superstore, Aldi, Boots and B&M and benefits from almost 2000 free parking spaces.
In Warrington, Russells has delivered three new retail units totalling 33,000 sq ft and has refurbished an existing 5,500 sq ft unit at the Junction 9 Retail Park on Winwick Road. Accessed directly from the A49 via a new road, the scheme is home to several large brands including Currys, First Choice, Home Bargains, KFC, Carphone Warehouse and Carpet Right.
Serving North Sheffield, the Kilner Way Retail Park has tenants including Halfords, Pets at Home, Argos, Netto and Gala Bingo. Russells has constructed a single 48,000 sq ft unit at the site, which can be split down to individual plots depending on occupier requirements.
Gareth Russell, director at Russells Construction said: “Derwent is investing in refreshing and expanding its assets across the North and we are pleased to have completed three in a matter of weeks. We have worked with Derwent for a number of years, since winning out first contract to build the Anlaby Retail Park in Hull, and are currently on site with the expansion of the White City in Manchester. Having worked with the Derwent team before on similar projects, we already had the relationships and the supplier contacts to ensure an efficient delivery for the client.”
All of the schemes have been designed by Manchester’s AEW Architects and follow the newly developed Derwent retail park brand identity which is being rolled out across its portfolio of retail parks, with large glazed front elevations and covered walkways, giving a modern, upmarket feel.
