Russells hands over Waitrose Preston

The opening of the store in Walton-le-Dale is on track for February, following the completion of construction works by Russells Construction.

The Trafford-based contractor handed over the unit at the Capitol Centre in Walton-le-Dale, to the Waitrose shopfitters.

Landlord Royal London Asset Management appointed Russells to carry out the £1.5m conversion of the former bowling alley into retail space. Waitrose is now overseeing the fit-out of the store, and recruiting up to 200 new staff.

Gareth Russell, construction director of Russells Construction, said: "Russells has a lot of experience in retail construction over the last 15 years for some major blue chip names which was brought to bear on this project. We understand the main aim for any retailer is timely delivery of the contract as to allow them to open their store as soon as possible.

"Our key aim was to meet the handover date to make sure Waitrose could get its team in to start the fit-out on time and help ensure the store can open as planned in February. We were also keen to ensure the experience of customers using existing retailers at the Capitol Centre remained a high priority and worked hard to minimise disruption to the rest of the retail park during the refurbishment."

Waitrose will become the park's first food store.