AN Aberdeen-based property investment and development firm has completed the successful refurbishment and redevelopment of a prime retail unit in the centre of Aberdeen.
The company has completed the refurbishment of 492 – 494 Union Street which was vacant for some time having previously been occupied by different licenced premises.
Having acquired the site from Punch Taverns in September 2011, West Coast Estates undertook a comprehensive refurbishment and redevelopment of the 3,800 sq ft unit.
The work has seen Sainsbury’s commit to opening the latest of its convenience stores at the site, committing to a long term lease. The shop opened on Friday, May 18.
The project reinforces West Coast Estate’s continued commitment to investing in the regeneration of city centre and neighbourhood sites, improving areas and facilities for the communities they serve.
West Coast Estates director, Iftikar Mian, believes such developments are increasingly important at this time, given the difficult climate currently being experienced by the retail sector.
Mr Mian said: “We, as a developer, are extremely keen to ensure we can bring as much investment as possible back to the high street through high quality redevelopments like this.
“The benefits of taking a vacant property and developing it into a vibrant retail space are beneficial for both other local businesses and residents as they not only bring life back to the area but also provide an important convenience.
“As the cost of fuel continues to rise along with living costs, convenience retailers are providing our communities with the option to top up their shopping when it is most convenient to them without necessarily having to travel out with their local community.”
Jim Bishop, Sainsbury’s regional acquisitions manager for Scotland, said: “We are looking forward to opening the Sainsbury’s Local, which will create 17 new, full and part-time job opportunities in the area.
“The shop will provide a new and convenient alternative for shoppers looking to top up their main food shopping locally. The opening is an important part of Sainsbury’s on-going commitment to invest in high streets across Scotland and support local communities.”
West Coast Estates, which was set up by Mr Mian and his brother Ali in 1991, is currently working on a number of projects, including redeveloping and refurbishing commercial premises throughout the city.
For further information about West Coast Estates, please call 01224 639 683 or visit www.westcoastestates.co.uk
ENDS
Issued on behalf of West Coast Estates by Mackenzie PR. For further information, please contact Susanne Shepherd or Laura McCombie on 01224 581 700 or email susanne@mackenziepr.co.uk
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