New units at leading NE retail park create dozens of new jobs

Sunderland-based building contractor Brims Construction recently commenced work on the scheme at the Belvedere Retail Park, at Kingston Park, Newcastle, which will also see improvements to the existing TK Maxx and Sports Direct outlets.

The development for site owners Universities Superannuation Scheme Ltd (USS), one of the largest pension schemes in the United Kingdom, will also result in the long-awaited demolition of an eyesore office block, which used to be the main North East offices for regional housebuilder Barratt.

Paul Nixon, a partner at the Newcastle office of project managers Henry Riley, said: “This is a high performing retail park with some key tenants already in place such as Matalan, TK Maxx and Sports Direct.

“This new development on the north west corner of the site will see the arrival of a number of much sought-after new tenants – creating around two dozen new jobs – and improving the appeal of this already popular park.”

Jason Wood, director at Brims Construction, said: “As a business with a great deal of experience in all forms of contracts we are delighted to have secured the contract on this prestigious retail park.

“The work got underway in June and we are expecting it to be completed and opened by the end of the year.”

The new development, totalling almost 5,000sq ft, is coming out of the ground in an area which was once car parking and shrubbery, but the demolition of the former Barratt offices on the southern side of the site will more than compensate for the loss of parking space.

Mr Nixon added: “This demolition will lead to the creation of an additional 77 car parking spaces and further traffic measures are being introduced to ease congestion problems.”

“The addition of this new parking area, directly adjacent to the anchor units on the retail park will be convenient for shoppers using both the Matalan and TK Maxx stores.”

He said talks were underway with a potential third operator for the unfilled unit and an announcement on a tenancy was expected shortly.

The work by Brims Construction will also lead to the creation of a new walkway to the new retail units and covered cycle bays.

The site is located on the edge of Kingston Park centre which also features a large Tesco food store.