Williams Tarr are well under way with the construction of a new £4 million-plus mixed retail and leisure project at Preston for Sports Direct. The scheme involves the complete refurbishment and doubling in size of Unit A at Deepdale Retail Park on Blackpool Road.

Formerly occupied by Toys r Us, the original 44,500 sq. ft. unit is being stripped back to a bare steel frame and completely rebuilt, including the introduction of a steel-framed mezzanine floor to the full area, almost doubling the existing floor space. The new unit is being configured to accommodate for Sports Direct, Evans Cycles and Flannels luxury clothing, together with a state-of-the-art Everlast Fitness Centre on the first floor.

As the building sits on a former land-fill site, an extensive network of pre-augured bottom driven piles are being installed to carry the new pad foundations. The mezzanine will have a composite metal deck and power floated concrete floor. Careful reinstatement of existing geo-membranes under the floor slab and external works will be required as works progress.

The new roof and wall cladding will incorporate large areas of glazed curtain walling and feature entrances. Internally the scope includes the introduction of a new passenger/goods lift, a platform lift and an escalator. Changing rooms, toilets and offices for the gym are to be incorporated, together with ancillary store rooms, etc.

Other works include sprinklers, external lighting, new incoming mains and adaptations to external works and drainage.

Williams Tarr Managing Director, David Wilkinson said:

Having recently finished a major retail scheme at Cheetham Hill for Sports Direct, it’s gratifying to secure repeat business. We are very experienced at delivering projects in live environments.