Retail sector boost as Trinity Walk opens
THE first major new shopping centre in the North since the downturn has opened in Wakefield.
Trinity Walk is almost 90% let with tenants including leading high street names such as Debenhamds, Next and H&M.
It is a remarkable turnaround for the development which ground to a halt in 2009 when it was just a quarter built before being rescued by a partnership between real estat fund manager AREA, asset manager Soverign land and contractor Shepherd Construction.
Sovereign Land chairman Tim Binnington said: “The 16 months since we purchased the site have been extremely intense. The whole team has put in a lot of hard work and it is very satisfying to see the finished product.
“Despite the short timescales involved, we have remained committed to the delivery of a top quality scheme, which shows in the design and finishes throughout. I am delighted that our retailers have responded with equally high quality fit outs and stunning, dramatic shop fronts.”
The opening of Trinity Walk moves Wakefield into the top 60 shopping destinations in the country as judged by the CACI rankings.
Joanne Roney, Wakefield Council chief executive, said: “Wakefield Council fought hard to make sure that Trinity Walk happened, despite the national economic downturn which struck just as the steel framework was going up. We are now seeing the results of our determination to stay on track as this shopping centre open its
doors.
“I too am very proud to welcome people taking up new jobs in Trinity Walk, the new retailers and the people coming here to shop. Along with our new business quarter at Merchant Gate and The Hepworth Wakefield, Trinity Walk is clear proof that this district is open for business.”
