Contractor appointed for £45m Stockport town centre project
STOCKPORT Council has unveiled the main contractor for the delivery of the £45m Redrock development.
Redrock Stockport will comprise a 10-screen cinema, a new 340-space multi storey care park, restaurants, café bars and retail units totalling more than 41,500 sq ft.
Wates Construction has been appointed on a two-stage design and build contract following a competitive tendering process through the North West Construction Hub which enables public sector organisations and the construction companies to work in partnership to deliver projects more efficiently, on time and cost.
Cllr Patrick McAuley, executive mMember for Thriving Economy at Stockport Council, said: “I’m delighted to announce after a highly competitive procurement process the appointment of Wates Construction as the main contractor for Redrock Stockport.
“The quality of all the bids was high which demonstrates the esteem developers see Stockport in these days and we are now looking forward to working with Wates and delivering the project.
“Redrock Stockport is a flagship development of Stockport Council and the interest in the scheme is a real boost to the local economy.
“We are looking forward to more visitors being drawn to Stockport Town Centre and with more investment heading the way of Stockport Old Town and Stockport Exchange there will be plenty of opportunity for people to explore our wonderful town.
“Economic growth is all about Jobs, businesses making money and an appetite for success. Redrock ticks all these boxes and I’m really excited for Stockport`s future.”
Redrock Stockport is a key part of investing in Stockport, the Council’s investment and growth programme that will see multi million pounds invested in the borough over the next 10 years.
Designed by architects BDP with project manager Gardiner & Theobald, preparatory work for the Redrock Stockport has already started in the area, with the main construction likely to start in the autumn. The development is planned to open in Spring 2017.
The cinema will be run by The Light Cinemas Ltd, which has recently opened cinemas in New Brighton, Wisbech Cambridge and is on course to open another at currently under refurbishment Market Place in Bolton.
Negotiations, via agents Lunson Mitchenall and GVA, are proceeding apace with a range of nationally recognised restaurants and café bars with an announcement on the line-up planned for later this summer.
Tony Shenton, business unit director, Wates Construction North West, said: “Our appointment to deliver Redrock is a significant step forward in Stockport Council’s ambitious investment plan, which is set to bring substantial benefit to the city.
Furthermore, its procurement via the North West Construction Hub (NWCH) is a huge testament to the framework, which has facilitated over £1bn worth of construction projects across the North West to date.
“As we prepare to embark on this exciting project, the coming months will see us look to appoint local supply chain and sub-contracting partners, in addition to creating opportunities for local training and employment.
“Throughout the build programme, Wates’ site team will also be working closely with project stakeholders and our neighbours to ensure that business as usual is maintained.”
