Plans submitted for £15m development of Walkden Town Centre

Plans have been submitted today (December 18) for Walkden Town Centre’s £15m development, which includes the demolition of current retail spaces.

The £15 million scheme will see the demolition of approximately 180,000 sq ft of the current retail space within Egerton Walk and Victoria Square.

These spaces have been considered “outdated and no longer meet retailer expectations.”

Relocation of existing tenants will be implemented ahead of the demolition as part of a wider redevelopment programme of the newer section of the centre, which will see 80,000 sq ft of existing space refurbished.

A new façade and entrance will also be created to the centre housing 7,500sq ft of new, modern retail units and landscaped green public realm areas to the front.

Scott Hall of The Derwent Group states: “The feedback from our recent public consultation was both positive and constructive and clearly demonstrated how important Walkden Town Centre is to the local community.

“By creating an appealing a sustainable retail environment, we will be able to offer a more efficient and economical operational solution for the centre’s retailers, helping to attract new names which will ultimately, have a significant positive impact on the area.

“We are already exploring options with a variety of exciting new potential operators who are looking to move into the centre.”

The Derwent Group submitted the plans on behalf of The Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation.

Walkden Town Centre has been under the ownership of The Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation for more than 30 years. During this time, it has reportedly invested more than £66 million in both the Centre and Walkden Retail Park.

This latest wave of investment is set to “significantly enhance” the existing offering of the town centre.

Subject to planning being granted, The Derwent Group will look to appoint a contractor in the coming months to start works immediately, with the new frontage being completed by the end of 2025.

Derwent has appointed RGP as architects for the scheme, Savills as planning consultants and Artal as project managers. Barker Proud Love and Graham Sibbald are the retained letting agents.