April 2008

Welconstruct make a £2.4m sale with The Fort

A major Midlands retail destination has appointed Birmingham based Welconstruct to help meet changes in consumer demand in a multi million pound expansion that has already secured the commitment of three leading eateries.

The Fort shopping centre in Birmingham, which is visited by tens of thousands of shoppers each year, has chosen the leading new build, retail fit-out and refurbishment specialists as the main contractor on a £2.4m expansion project.

A 1,320 sq ft two-storey extension to the existing centre, which first opened in 1997, will create three additional units, allocated for restaurants and cafes. Starbucks, Nando’s and Burger King have already signed up to the three ground floor units, with discussions underway regarding space available on the second floor.

Planning permission was granted last summer and enabling works, which included new foundations, relocation of a bus stop and pedestrian crossings, started in November. Revised planning amendments were approved late last month and the scheme is scheduled for completion in July 2008.

Centre director at The Fort, Nick Pitt, comments: “We already offer visitors many great High Street names, including Debenhams, M&S, Boots and Next but our extensive market research has also identified demand for increased restaurant facilities on site. This extension will add to what is already a great shopping experience and is only part of a series of planned improvements.”

Gary Lawrence of Welconstruct is project manager on the scheme: “With our considerable experience in the retail sector, we have seen first-hand the shift in shopping from being viewed simply as a chore to becoming more of a recreational activity.

“Retail destinations now need to provide increased opportunities for shoppers to relax, eat and drink as part of a visit. This project will provide stylish and popular eateries in an enhanced environment.”

The new structure has a ‘curved’ frontage, adjacent to the current WH Smith store and front onto the existing pedestrian walkway. A new paved public area with external dining beneath an extended canopy will help accommodate the additional units and allow for outdoor eating, even in inclement weather. Particular emphasis will be given to this area with the introduction of quality hard and soft landscaping designed to remain in keeping with the existing scheme.

Richard Taylor, of BehanTaylor Partnership, is surveyor on the project: “The new section has been purposely designed to face outward and act as a beacon for The Fort. This will be achieved with the use of a large picture window across all of the units, which will allow light to flood out as dusk sets in and then through the evening.”

The Harris Partnership is the appointed architect and DTZ will act as agents on the scheme.