Pets at Home moves into 8,000sq ft unit in East Lancs

PETS at Home has become the first occupier at New Hall Hey retail park in Rawtenstall, East Lancashire following phase one of the redevelopment of the site.

The Cheshire-based company has opened its 8,000sq ft store on the park which will also include Marks & Spencer and TK Maxx.

Barnfield Construction will be on site before the end of the month to undertake both the 12,500 sq ft Marks & Spencer shop fit out and further landlord works to accommodate a 12,500sq ft TK Maxx store.  Both new stores are expected to open early in the New Year.

The New Hall Hey development extends to more than 14 acres and is currently controlled by West Register (Property Investments), a division of the Royal Bank of Scotland.

Barnfield Construction has recently agreed to acquire 5.5 acres within the development and is working closely with West Register to develop  the remainder of the site over the next two years.

Barnfield is also working  with the site owners to get retail sites occupied.

Future phases for this major employment site are expected to include opportunities for further retail, leisure and industrial space.

Barnfield is currently in discussions with a number of potential occupiers. Head of development Dan Symonds said: “After years of hard work the team are delighted to be making a start on the redevelopment of the New Hall Hey site.

“The line-up of new anchor retailers within Phase 1 is sure to drive further retail occupier interest for the scheme, in addition to encouraging new shoppers to visit Rawtenstall, this can only be a positive step for the town.”  

Rossendale Borough Council leader Alyson Barnes said: “It is fantastic to now see one of the shops open on New Hall Hey, the next couple of months will see the remaining shops being fitted out and opening in the new year. It will help boost the economy for Rossendale and make for a more attractive entrance into the Valley.”