ASDA STORE IN WALSALL HANDED OVER FOR FITTING OUT

The new 118,000 sq ft superstore for Asda which anchors the first phase of the £40 million St Matthew’s Quarter regeneration scheme in the centre of Walsall, has been handed over by Norton & Proffitt Developments Ltd, a joint venture between St Modwen Properties PLC and Goold Estates Ltd, for fitting out by the operator.

The store, one of Asda’s largest in-town operations, is scheduled to be ready for opening in June when the remainder of the first phase will be completed.

Seven shops, a 1,000-space multi-storey car park including two floors which will be operated by Asda, and 41 apartments pre-sold to Accord Housing Ltd, make up the remainder of the first phase which is being developed on the site of the former Sainsburys store and car park in George Street.

Derek West of St Modwen, said: “The opening of Asda will provide a tremendous boost to the revival of this area of the town. This is the first piece in the regeneration jigsaw of St Matthew’s Quarter. ”

Dominic Goold, of Goold Estates, added: “We are now looking forward to beginning enabling works in July on the opposite side of George Street - the site of the second phase which will comprise the conversion of Shannon Mill into loft apartments, quality offices and speciality shopping.”

Neal Haywood, construction manager of St Modwen, said: “We’re very pleased to have been able to hand over the store to Asda on time and to have opened the new link road six weeks ahead of schedule. Construction of the store was carried out on a very constricted town centre site and Norwest Holst, the contractors, had to overcome a number of serious technical and constructional challenges to activate the programme.”

For further information contact Derek West (0121 222 9400) or Dominic Goold (01922 613131). Issued by Paul Raymer of Howle Chapman Raymer (0121 236 7771).