A Middlesbrough shopping centre is enjoying a refresh with help from a locally-based commercial refurbishment specialist.
The Dundas Shopping Centre, home to the town’s only indoor market, has been undergoing a rebrand and shop units are being renovated for new or in readiness for potential tenants.
Wells CRS, based at Mandale Park, are carrying out much of the work on behalf of the site’s management company, Contract Experts.
The two, along with Tees Valley’s independent commercial property consultants Dodds Brown, have worked well together for years on general maintenance at Dundas.
And after recently helping Brickyard Bakery move in, Wells have also been working with Contract Experts to improve the general appearance, make changes to the market area and revive the former Forbidden Planet store at 41 Dundas Street.
David Harris, the market manager at Dundas Arcade, said: “We are giving the centre a makeover. We have extended the market café, Jean’s Kitchen, already.
“Brickyard Bakery have just moved in and there is more on the way. We have had a major revamp and Wells have been integral to that.
“There has been a period of heavy investment to rebrand, an uplift of the general appearance, like the signage when you walk in, and there’s more to come.”
There are several new tenants due to move in at Dundas and the maintenance agreement means Wells is responsible for reacting to general electrical, mechanical, walls, floors, ceilings, painting and decorating work.
Garry Wells, the co-owner of Wells CRS along with David Murphy, said: “We have worked closely with Christian Lax at Contract Experts for around 15 years. We have a very good relationship. As we have grown we have secured more shop refurbishments, dilapidations.
“We make sure everything meets building regulations. We work proactively and reactively for them to fulfil their requirements.
“As an example, recently, Dundas House lost its power. We moved in swiftly to get things back up and running. We delivered on our promise for Contract Experts’ tenants.
“I first used to come here with my mam as a child so to see some of the properties in this area come back to life is lovely. Too many shops are closing these days.
“Dundas and Contract Experts are trying to keep the shopping centre in a reasonable condition and we are doing our bit to try to fill the gap, get more tenants in.”
Contract Experts are confident Wells CRS can continue to meet the needs of the shopping centre, the tenants and those who visit.
David said: “Wells CRS’ holistic approach to general maintenance and improvements is perfect for us. We have a number of retail units in the main mall, up to 30 units in the market, Dundas House and the Live Well Centre too.
“Wells have been responsive and quick to satisfy our demands while other companies can take a long time to address an issue. I can usually get someone in for an electrical emergency within an hour from Wells – and they are local too.”