Shepherd wins £4.5m contract to build new retail units

Shepherd Construction has started work on a £4.5m contract with Realm Limited, the factory outlet developers and operator.

The contract, awarded on a design and build basis, follows on from the £12m redevelopment of the Royal Quays Outlet Centre in North Shields that Shepherd completed for Realm in autumn 2001.

The contract, measuring 5000m2, includes construction of 20 new retail units that will mirror the style of the original project, which was opened in 1996. 

Up to 10 of the 45 existing retail units will benefit from reconfiguration and the construction of contemporary mezzanine levels in preparation for some big name retailers who will be joining the centre as new tenants when the work is complete. 

The centre currently has free parking available for 950 cars and nine coaches, which will be reconfigured, extended and improved to provide further car parking facilities to accommodate the rise in demand.

Completion is anticipated in autumn 2003.