Work starts on new Waitrose, Walton-Le-Dale

23.08.2011

Work has started on bringing a new Waitrose supermarket to Walton-Le-Dale. North West contractor Russells Construction has commenced the £1.5m conversion of a 40,000 sq ft unit at the Capitol Centre in Walton-Le-Dale.

Russells has been appointed to the project by Royal London which owns the Capitol Centre, to convert a former bowling alley into a retail space. The four-month programme is set for completion by the end of October, when the shell will be handed over to Waitrose for fit-out. It is expected the store will open in February 2012, creating up to 200 new jobs.

The refurbishment entails the strip out of existing fittings, roof and window replacement, removal of internal walls, and the installation of new flooring. Externally, Russells will be responsible for the new car parking and delivery areas, a new entrance lobby and paving.

Gareth Russell, construction director for Trafford-based Russells Construction, said: "The supermarket sector has proved to be the most robust part of the retail sector over recent times and it's great to see investment coming through for new stores, especially for a quality retailer like Waitrose. We have a lot of experience in retail construction over the last 15 years and so were delighted to have been appointed to this project by Royal London with whom we have worked in the past on both refurbishment and new build.

"Russells has developed a strong track record for delivery, performance and partnership working. It is important that these works do not impact upon the continued operation of the retail park and we will be working with Royal London to ensure that the customer experience remains high priority."

The Capitol Centre is already home to a number of retailers and Waitrose will become the park's first food store, offering the full food and drink offering, including fresh meat and fish service counters, a delicatessen and a large coffee shop. Customers will also benefit from the Waitrose scan-as-you-shop, Waitrose Quick Check and home delivery Waitrose.com services.

The store will become a key focal point for visitors to the Capitol Centre according to Drew Watkins, at Royal London Asset Management: "I was delighted to secure Waitrose as a tenant for this property. They will be a fantastic addition to the retail and leisure parks. In extending consumer choice to include a high quality food store we felt we would be providing a popular new amenity for the local community. We're pleased to have appointed Russells Construction to the project and to see work well underway."

Waitrose expects to begin a recruitment drive for the new store in Autumn 2011. Details of vacancies and how to apply will be available at jlpjobs.com