McLaughlin And Harvey Scoop Tesco Northcott

Hundreds of construction jobs are on the way as the main contractor is appointed for the redevelopment of the Northcott Shopping Centre at Ballyclare Road, Glengormley - with Tesco as the anchor tenant.

Although the UK's top supermarket chain continues to refuse comment, it has emerged that McLaughlin and Harvey have won the £35m regeneration contract.

According to the website www.unearthore.com the approval was first issued for the works in September, 2006, however the project was then put on hold - apparently due to the recession.

The initial approval was issued for the demolition of the existing centre and the subsequent construction of a new shopping centre and underground car park.

New, total overall floor area envisaged under these plans equalled 33,463 square metres.

The new plans will see the construction of a new food superstore, 12 class A1 retail units and a cafe with adjacent petrol filling station.

All associated car parking, servicing and landscaping are also included in the plans.

The ambitious regeneration plan aims to construct a brand new retail outlet which will be known as Sandyknowes Shopping Centre.

Plans also involve developing a unit for the principal anchor, Tesco, who inherited the existing store as part of the Stewarts acquisition in the late 1990s, to "bring modern convenience retailing to local customers".

The remaining mall units will similarly be upgraded at the centre, providing the opportunity to secure enhanced representation from multiples, in addition to quality local independents.

Main construction work is expected to commence on site during late May, 2011 although McCormack Demolition have recently commenced on site with advanced works.

See: Tesco's Northcott Plan Approved

(GK)