The Rock, in Bury, the only major retail scheme to launch in the UK in 2010, opens to the public today.
Thousands of people from Bury and the wider Lancashire and Greater Manchester region have turned out for the launch of the new 620,000 ft2 (57,600 m2) retail and leisure scheme, with over 11,000 visiting the destination in its first hour of trading.
The Rock will bring an exciting new shopping experience to Bury. Over 50% of the fashion and lifestyle brands are new to the town, including Debenhams, Primark, H&M, Peacocks, Cult and Bank. Anchored by Debenhams and Marks & Spencer, The Rock also provides six flagship stores, with Next and River Island occupying new, larger stores and Topshop relocating to a unit more than double the size of its previous store.
Complementing the retail mix is a vibrant leisure offer which includes a Vue 10-screen multiplex cinema, a 24-lane AMF Bowling entertainment centre, and restaurants including Nando’s, Pizza Express and Frankie & Benny’s. The first phase of the residential element comprises 113 apartments developed and managed by Miller Homes, ensuring the scheme’s life extends into the evening.
The scheme is three quarters let by income and has created around 500 retail and leisure jobs in the town.
Hammerson was appointed by Deloitte to complete the development and letting of The Rock and assume an asset management role after the original developer, Thornfield Ventures Ltd, was placed in administration.
Carolyn Kenney, Project Director at Hammerson said:
“The Rock is a key element in the regeneration of Bury and wider confidence in the town is demonstrated by the line up of national retailers and leisure groups choosing to open in the town for the first time. With a great range of fashion, lifestyle and leisure brands, The Rock represents a vibrant retail and leisure destination for Bury and beyond.”
ENDS
Media Contacts:
Morgan Bone, Director of Corporate Communications
020 7887 1009
Morgan.bone@hammerson.com
Andrea Cockram, Corporate Communications Manager
07786 554 491
andrea.cockram@hammerson.com
Catrin Morgan, Property PR Manager
020 7887 1063
catrin.morgan@hammerson.com
