Derwent reshuffles in Walkden

Derwent has relocated two anchor tenants within Ellesmere Shopping Centre as its redevelopment of the Salford retail park continues.

JD Sports has relocated from the neighbouring Retail Park to take 5,693 sq ft opposite Tesco on a 10-year lease.

Costa Coffee has taken a 10-year lease on 1,732 sq ft.

Santander is also in advanced discussions to open at the centre.

Derwent is preparing to build 12 new retail warehouse units, with consent for food retail, as the third phase of the redevelopment of the centre. The construction contract is currently out to tender. The project is designed by AEW Architects. Some current retail park tenants are moving into the 450,000 sq ft main centre to make way for the new retail warehouse units.

Ellesmere Shopping Centre attracts 140,000 people a week.

David Lyons, managing director of Derwent Group Holdings, said: "JD Sports and Costa Coffee's decision to open here reflects the growing confidence current and prospective retailers have in Ellesmere Shopping Centre, with increasing visitor numbers and new attractions such as the Victorian Market demonstrating the positive direction the Centre is moving towards."

Sammy Jones, associate at GVA, letting agent, added: "Ellesmere Shopping Centre is an excellent opportunity for retailers big and small. Whereas other retail centres in the UK are seeing a drop in visitor numbers, Ellesmere is continuing to go from strength to strength, and is providing those in the surrounding area with a quality shopping experience."