St Modwen brings new heart to Harpurhey

Construction will begin mid-November on 11,148 sq m (120,000 sq ft) of retail floorspace in Harpurhey, Manchester, kick-starting the regeneration of the existing rundown district centre.

The scheme is a flagship regeneration project by Redman Heenan Properties Ltd, the investment subsidiary of St Modwen Properties PLC, which is one of the country’s leading town centre regeneration specialists.

This latest scheme means that St Modwen is now involved in more than 15 town centre regeneration projects throughout the country.

The project, in partnership with Manchester City Council and Asda, will transform Harpurhey District Centre into a major shopping destination, and be the centrepiece of plans for the regeneration of the whole of North Manchester. It is also the second large-scale regeneration scheme undertaken by St Modwen and Manchester City Council in recent years.

A large portion of the new retail accommodation has been pre-let to national high street retailers such as Wilkinson (26,500 sq ft), B & M Retail (18,000 sq ft), In the Pink (4,000 sq ft) and Farmfoods (3,700 sq ft). Terms have also been agreed with several other retailers and there is strong interest in the remaining units.

The Harpurhey scheme is to include upgrading pedestrian malls and car parking areas. The indoor and outdoor markets are to be relocated into new bespoke accommodation adjacent to Asda’s existing foodstore which anchors the scheme. In addition, a 3,251 sq m (35,000 sq ft) leisure centre and Surestart facility will be developed on behalf of the City Council.

Work on several road junctions surrounding the centre will provide improved access for customers who will also have the benefit of new taxi rank facilities. New landscaping and the installation of CCTV will ensure a safe and attractive environment for shoppers.

Asda, which has recently undertaken a £1 million refurbishment of its store, is to have a secondary new entrance to the reconfigured main car park. Construction work, which will be undertaken in phases to maintain access to Asda and existing shop units, will be completed in time for new retailers to trade for Christmas 2004.

St Modwen has invested £6 million in the regeneration of the 30,657 sq m (330,000 sq ft) Wythenshawe Town Centre, its other partnership with Manchester City Council, which has resulted in a four-fold increase in footfall.

Dave Bell of North Manchester Partnership, said: “The regeneration of Harpurhey District Centre will make a major step forward in fulfilling the vision of a new North Manchester as an attractive area of choice. The centre lies at the heart of the regeneration strategy which the city council and its partners are striving towards.

” Chris Bellamy of Asda, commented: “Asda is delighted to be partnering Redman Heenan and Manchester City Council in this exciting project which will see the upgrading of shopping facilities in the centre and encourage additional shoppers which will underpin Asda’s investment in Harpurhey.”

Paul Batho of Redman Heenan, said: “The healthy level of retail interest is indicative of the massive potentialof the area to support a major shopping destination to cater for the needs of North Manchester and beyond. The scheme will transform Harpurhey from a tired district shopping centre into a well-managed vibrant hub of activity which will further stimulate investment in the wider area.”

Johnson Fellows is the retained agent.

* Harpurhey District Centre is located between the busy Rochdale Road and

Moston Lane junction.

For further information contact Paul Batho on 01925-825950. Issued by Paul

Raymer of Howle Chapman Raymer (0121-236-7771).