Hellens Group

Work has now completed on an ambitious project to regenerate the site of a former Kwik Save supermarket in Spennymoor, bringing more shopping and parking opportunities to the town.

The regeneration of Festival Walk was led by North East-based developer Hellens Group, which included the construction of the public car park and a new Aldi store, which opened last year, as well as refurbishing the existing units, which has attracted a range of tenants including Card Factory and Greggs.

The project, which began in 2021 with the demolition of the outdated store followed by the development of several units and a free to use car park in the town centre.

The original aim of the development, which was backed by a £600,000 investment from Durham County Council, was to transform the area into a modern, vibrant retail environment for the local community.

Kevin Walker, contracts manager at Hellens Group and originally from Spennymoor said: “If you look around the site, it’s very clear that the vision for Festival Walk has more than been achieved. The Aldi and the car park have proved very popular with local residents from day one, and all of the units have been rented out, making it an excellent destination for shoppers.

“The development is a massive improvement on what was here previously, which was a dated, derelict shopping precinct. There has been a visible increase in footfall on a day-to-day basis and the new offering has been welcomed with open arms by locals.

“Overall, if you look around and see the improvements that have been made, I think this will benefit the town for years to come.”

Gavin Cordwell-Smith, chief executive of Hellens Group, said: “The completed development not only looks great but also enhances the shopping experience for anyone visiting the area, which is fantastic news for the local economy.

“We’re proud to have been part of Durham County Councils ongoing project to regenerate the towns within the county and we’re delighted with the results at Festival Walk.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Issued on behalf of Hellens Group

Contact Josh Mason 01325 363436

About Hellens Group:

The Hellens Group, with offices in Washington, Stockton-on-Tees and Catterick, incorporates a number of property, construction, manufacturing and social enterprise businesses with interests throughout the North East, Tees Valley and Yorkshire.

The original business (John Hellens (Contracts) Ltd) was founded in 1973 to focus on the regeneration of brownfield sites; the company became leading experts in the field. Hellens Group has significantly expanded and adapted to changing market conditions, moving into sports and recreation facility construction, social housing, land and property development and investment as well as manufacturing of hard landscaping products for the building industry.

@hellensgroup

www.hellens.co.uk