Property briefs: Robertson, HCA, Hanson Springs and GVA

ROBERTSON, the infrastructure, support services and construction group, has won a contract to convert a former Boots distribution warehouse in Chester into a new Volkswagen dealership.
 
The company, which has an office in Manchester, has been appointed by car dealer Inchcape to carry out the £3.9m project, just off Sealand Road in Chester.
 
Robertson will begin demolishing the existing offices and part of the warehouse unit at the end of the month.

The building will then be extended, re-clad and fitted out to form a new Volkswagen showroom and workshop together with new body-shop repairs for brands such as VW, Audi, Mercedes Benz and Landrover. Inchcape is relocating its current dealership on Sealand Road to the four-acre site.

Robertson’s regional managing director, Andy McLeod, said: “Our track record in delivering leading edge projects has resulted in this contract win. We have successfully completed a number of projects for Inchcape in the North East of England and are looking forward to successfully delivering a project for them in the North West.”
 
The work should be finished by the summer.

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THE Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) has appointed Galliford Try to complete infrastructure works that will pave the way for 100 homes at Sandymoor, Runcorn.

Galliford Try has worked with Aecom and Atkins to design a new highway off Wharford Lane and flood mitigation works.

The £1.3m investment is part of the HCA’s Accelerated Land Disposal Programme.

HCA North West director Deborah McLaughlin said: “This is a major milestone for what is a key development for Runcorn. The future infrastructure and location of Sandymoor makes it an attractive prospect and I look forward to watching the progress of the works and the marketing of the site to private developers.

“We will continue to work closely with our partners to find the right developer to ensure that Sandymoor fulfils its undoubted potential as a truly transformational scheme.”

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ROCHDALE spring manufacturer Hanson Springs has acquired a former DHL distribution depot in the town.

The 90,000 sq ft site at the Transpeninne Trading Estate sits on a seven-acre site. The firm already has an 80,000 sq ft base in Rochdale.

Rochdale surveyor Barton Kendal acted for Hanson on the deal while Jones Lang LaSalle advised the vendors, Scottish property group Credential Holdings.

Steve Barton, of Barton Kendal, said: “We are delighted to have represented Hanson Springs in the search and acquisition of new premises and it is a privilege to be a small part of a great Rochdale manufacturing success story.”

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DERWENT Holdings has hired property consultant GVA to market seven of its retail parks.

These include White City Retail Park, Manchester; Alban Retail Park in Warrington; Bidston Moss Retail Park, Wallasey; Montrose Retail Park on Edge Lane, Liverpool; and Ellesmere Centre phase three, Walkden.

Derwent, Albert Gubay’s property business, also has Kilner Way Retail Park, Sheffield and Anlaby Retail Park in Hull.

GVA associate Sammy Jones said: “It is fantastic to have been appointed to market further sites within the Derwent portfolio so soon after our initial instruction.

“We will now work closely with Derwent to put together a strategy for marketing the individual schemes within the portfolio to work towards attracting the best possible calibre of retail and leisure operators to the parks.”