Rocafella to slide into 25,000 sq ft at Cockhedge

Slidie Sliderson is to open a ground floor leisure venue at the Warrington shopping centre, expanding its mixed-use offer and promising “high-energy” and slippery entertainment for all ages.

Rocafella Leisure Group is behind the venture and committed to a £2m investment in the Cockhedge Shopping Centre venue, which it expects to draw up to 150,000 annual visitors after it opens in October this year.

The group is also the operator of Total Ninja at Trafford Park and will undertake the venue’s fitout with its own team.

Chris Hayes, managing director, Rocafella Leisure Group, said the “clear vision for revitalisation” and the chance to be “part of a transformative development” were key to sealing the deal.

He added the location, which previously hosted an Argos, was ideal and that Slidie Sliderson would bring “never-before-seen attractions” to Warrington, as well as adding up to 40 jobs to Cockhedge.

Altered Space, the firm behind the 61,600 sq ft Cockhedge shopping centre redevelopment, has secured the deal as it aims to boost the centre’s leisure offer.

The scheme agents acting for the landlords are Richard Lyons, LTL Property & Conor Mulloy, and Graham & Sibbald.

Currently, the site hosts anchor tenant Asda with a 75,000 sq ft space, as well as a 20,000 sq ft JD Gym, and 25,000 sq ft Buzz Bingo.

Michael Brown, director, Altered Space, said the letting was a “fundamental piece of the long-term vision for Cockhedge” and Warrington’s wider regeneration.

He added: “[The deal] perfectly underscores our commitment to delivering a commercially sustainable scheme that enhances Warrington’s town centre offering.”

The shopping centre’s transformation is part of the wider Cockhedge Masterplan, which includes a 900-unit car-free residential development, led by Altered Space.