Work starts on Chorley retail and leisure scheme

Eric Wright Group is set to start work on a £12M development to extend the Market Walk shopping centre in Chorley, Lancashire.

The eight-unit development will see a number of steel-framed units including an M&S Foodhall, six-screen Reel Cinema, restaurants and other new businesses come to the growing market town.

John Wilson of Eric Wright Construction, said: “As a local contractor we are extremely proud to be delivering this scheme with Chorley Council and look forward to getting the main build under way.

“It offers a modern two-storey extension to the existing shopping centre which will become a major feature within the town.

“The scheme complements a lot of other work taking place to improve the appearance of Chorley town centre, such as the Primrose Gardens retirement village we are also constructing on Fleet Street.

“Chorley Council is working hard to provide a long-term future for the town and we are pleased to be a part of it.”

Councillor Alistair Bradley, Leader of Chorley Council, said: “We are really excited now we are ready to start the main construction and this development will be a key factor in giving our town centre a long-term future.

“While many other town centres are struggling, we are one of a few that is continuing to do well because of our mix of independent traders and the popular markets, which gives us a unique offer.

“To get M&S to open a new store here while they are closing in other places is a real coup and it shows the confidence that some of the biggest names have in what we are doing and it will undoubtedly bring new people into the town centre.”