DISCOUNT retailer Aldi has opened its latest store in Heywood following the completion of a deal with Russells Construction. The
brownfield site, on Rochdale Road East, was acquired by Russells Construction who then successfully secured the sale of the land to Aldi
as part of the superstore's North West expansion programme.
Russells was responsible for completing the groundworks to provide the hardstanding for the Aldi store as part of a £1.5m contract
which also included the construction of a neighbouring 8,000 sq ft retail unit. Aldi managed the construction of the 17,000 sq ft store
itself through its preferred contractors tender process.
The trade counter unit was a traditional steel frame construction, built on piled foundations. The project also involved the creation of
a new traffic junction from Rochdale Road East into the site, and the installation of a new traffic light system to ease flow into and
out of the car park, by the Russells team.
The deal boosts Russells Construction's retail portfolio and demonstrates the Trafford-based firm's strength in the sector. It was the
first partnership between Russells Construction and Aldi, one of the world's biggest value grocery retailers.
Mike Clarke, property director at Aldi, said: "Russells identified this as the ideal site for Aldi and worked with us to secure the
necessary planning consent in order for us to bring the brand to Heywood. I'm delighted to say our opening day was very successful and
I am looking forward to seeing the store grow and become an integral part of the local community."
Andrew Russell, managing director of Russells Construction, said: "The deal was only possible due to the great team of people within the
organisation who secured both the land sale and the groundworks package, alongside the construction of the trade counter.
"This contract is testament to the joined up approach Russells takes to commercial property deals. We had identified this as a perfect
development site for Aldi and so were delighted to enter into an agreement with such a high profile and successful company.
"The land team worked hard to secure the necessary permissions prior to the start of the build programme while, on site, our
groundworking team demonstrated the skills and professionalism required in order to ensure client satisfaction. I am delighted that we
are continuing to develop our blue-chip client base and hope to continue our relationship with Aldi in the future."
Russells Construction also lists Pizza Hut, Harry Ramsden, Currys and Carpet Right among its high-profile retail client base.
