£2m contract awarded for first phase of Walkden town centre redevelopment
Derwent Estates, acting on behalf of the Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation, has awarded a £2.4m contract to Walkden-based City Build to carry out the first phase of works at Walkden Town Centre.
This involves refurbishing units for existing tenants to relocate as part of the £15m redevelopment, which will involve demolishing part of the centre.
City Build will begin work immediately with completion expected by early Q2 2025.
Scott Hall, senior asset manager at Derwent Estates, said: “Since being granted planning permission last summer, we have worked very closely with both our existing tenants and prospective new occupiers to accommodate individual requirements.
“Our commitment to this important transformation for the centre remains a priority.”
He added: “We continue to receive significant positive interest in our plans for the centre and are already in talks with a number of new retail and leisure operators keen to take space there.”
Martin Berry, City Build’s managing director, said: “As a Worsley-based contractor, we take great pride in working on schemes that enhance our area, creating improved spaces for businesses, residents, and visitors.
“We look forward to working closely with Derwent Estates and stakeholders to ensure the successful transformation of this key town centre location.”
Scott Hall added: “Having agreed a shortlist of contractors for next phase of the works, which will include the demolition of the Egerton Walk and Victoria Square elements of the centre, we are looking to appoint the selected party in April with start on site July.”
Derwent Estates is the in-house asset, development and property manager for the property portfolio belonging to The Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation. This portfolio comprises more than 2.8 million sq ft of commercial property including some 2.1 million sq ft of retail and leisure space.
Albert Gubay was an entrepreneur who created a business empire that was worth more than £700m.
His determination, drive and passion to create a lasting legacy was borne from a pact he made as a young, penniless man when he vowed to give half of any wealth he created to the service of God.
