Home Bargains creates 45 jobs in Altrincham

MILLER Developments has handed over 11,000 sqft of retail space to Home Bargains as anchor tenant at its redeveloped Grafton Centre scheme in Altrincham, Greater Manchester.

The Liverpool-based retailer has signed a 15-yearlease on the unit and is on target to be trading by spring in the Grafton Centre, which has just undergone a £10m refurbishment.

Joe Morris, operations director at Home Bargains, said: “Home Bargains is excited to be opening this new store in Altrincham building further on the success across the North West and providing up to 45 jobs for the local area.

“The Grafton Centre will be a great location for us.”

Mark Hewett, retail development director for Miller Developments, said: “As a national retailer, Home Bargains is testament to the quality of the scheme and the space available.

“It is expected that Home Bargains will create up to 45 new jobs within the town, and that many more will be created following the letting of the remaining retail units. 

“We are having active discussions with a number of retailers regarding the remaining units, which will be available for hand over at Easter.”

Miller Developments bought the Grafton Centre from insolvency firm Duff & Phelps in March 2011, which was appointed LPA receiver of the centre in October 2009.

It has since undertaken a major remodeling and refurbishment of the ground floor, while the former office block attached to the Grafton Centre is being converted into a 91-bed Travelodge hotel due to open at Easter.

Trafford Council’s director for economic growth and prosperity, Nick Gerrard, said: “I am pleased that the redevelopment of the Grafton Centre is really starting to take shape. This demonstrates the level confidence in Altrincham and its residents with local job creation.

“The centre will substantially increase the number of visitors to the town centre who will also help support the retailers and the evening economy.”