Crowds flock to new Morrisons store
22 Oct 2008
Hordes of shoppers descended on a long awaited Morrisons store in Bury after it was officially opened by the supermarket’s former Chairman Sir Ken Morrison.
The 85,000 sq ft store in the Whitefield district, one of many new build projects designed by WCEC for Morrisons - the company has worked with the supermarket giant for nearly 30 years.
Featuring a decked car park with spaces at both upper and lower levels, travellators covered by a barrel vaulted ceiling provide access from the lower level. Stair access to the lower car park is enclosed in a glazed semi circular drum which offers spectacular views across the local park.
Positioned prominently on Bury New Road, the main road linking Bury with the M60, the store was designed with maximum active frontage onto the adjacent footpath. And in addition to the main entrance, a further pedestrian entrance has been created directly opposite the town’s transport interchange, improving access for commuters.
A popular local Italian restaurant was relocated to make wayfor the new supermarket and is now housed in brand new premises at the side of Morrisons.
Ashley Turner, Partner, said: “We have a long standing relationship with Morrisons and it’s always great to see a new store completed and open for trade. The location and level constraints required a departure from the typical Morrisons design, but has resulted in a striking roadside store which has been thoroughly welcomed by the local community.”
The developers behind the Whitefield scheme were regeneration specialists Dransfield Properties.