McAleer & Rushe on target with 250,000 sq ft Bradford development

Apr 23

A major step forward in the renaissance of Bradford city centre has taken place with the topping out of McAleer & Rushe’s 250,000 sq ft, £45 million Southgate development.

The Irish developers are on target to deliver Southgate, the new headquarters of loans company Provident Financial on the corner of Godwin Street and Thornton Road, by this autumn.

Stephen Surphlis, Development Director of McAleer & Rushe commented: “Southgate is one of the few major developments in the north of England progressing in the current market. We are on target to hand over the building to Provident Financial in September.

“The benefit to Bradford is huge. We would like to thank everyone concerned with this prestigious project, which has been carried out against the backdrop of the worst recession since the Second World War. Their hard work and commitment has been amazing,” he said.

The topping out ceremony marked both the completion of the new building’s structure, which will also house a 200-bed Jury’s Hotel.

Alex Munro, Head of Commercial Development at global property consultancy Knight Frank, and advisers to McAleer & Rushe, commented:

“This is a tremendous development for Bradford, especially in these challenging economic times. It is a first-class landmark HQ building for Provident Financial and the Jury’s Hotel is a fabulous addition to the city centre. Everyone involved in this project should be very proud of themselves.”

The development was made possible by a £6m loan to McAleer & Rushe by Bradford City Council. Most of this loan has already been repaid, with the remainder being handed over shortly.

Peter Crook, Chief Executive of Provident Financial, commented:

“I am delighted with the progress to date on our new head office building. This has been a real team effort with McAleer & Rushe, Bradford City Council, the project team at Provident, and many others all working together effectively to realise this imposing new building.”

Alex Munro of Knight Frank, added: “This is a great example of the private and public sectors working together. This is a crucial development for Bradford, which will create hundreds of jobs for the city, and comes at a time when good news in the property market is pretty scarce”.

For further information, please contact Robert Beaumont of Robert Beaumont Associates on 01423 323139