Member News
Our Real Estate team has successfully completed significant lease agreements for Northumberland Estates at Willowburn Retail Park in Alnwick. These agreements, marking the culmination of a longstanding partnership, bring B&M Retail Limited (‘B&M’) and Mountain Warehouse Limited (‘Mountain Warehouse’) to the development, further enhancing its position as a key retail destination in Northumberland.
The Willowburn Retail Park, strategically located in Alnwick, complements the existing Willowburn Centre, which includes high-profile tenants such as Sainsbury's, Pets at Home and Argos. The latest lettings to B&M and Mountain Warehouse form part of the park's Phase 2 and Phase 3 expansions.
Ward Hadaway’s involvement with the site dates back to 2015, when the team advised on the re-acquisition and development of the former car park into the thriving retail hub it is today. Over the years, the team has played a pivotal role in the estate setup, securing lettings to major retailers such as Marks and Spencer and Starbucks, alongside local businesses like Turnbulls Northumbrian Food. Our recent work on Phase 2 and Phase 3 builds on this legacy, demonstrating our Real Estate team’s expertise in complex, high-value projects.
Lauren Frisby, an Associate at Ward Hadaway, said: “The complexity of structuring the leases and development agreements required careful consideration of both Northumberland Estates’ long-term goals and the unique requirements of the tenants. It’s been a privilege to contribute to a project that has such a tangible impact on the local community.”
The team worked closely with Northumberland Estates to navigate a variety of commercial factors, including securing planning permission, coordinating delivery schedules, tailoring agreements to tenants’ needs and ensuring consistency across the park. The lettings, which included negotiating fit-out documentation, were completed within tight timeframes to enable B&M and Mountain Warehouse to open ahead of the crucial Christmas trading period.
Nick Gholkar, Executive Partner in Ward Hadaway’s Newcastle office, said: “Our team’s commitment to providing commercial advice and managing the intricacies of this project reflects our dedication to delivering results for our clients. Willowburn Retail Park is a testament to Northumberland Estates’ vision, and we are proud to have played a part in its success.”
The completed units include a 25,000-square-foot retail space and 8,000-square-foot garden centre for B&M, as well as a 5,000-square-foot unit for Mountain Warehouse. Together, these additions further cement Willowburn Retail Park as a vibrant destination for shoppers and a key asset for the local economy.
Peter Dalby, Development Manager at Northumberland Estates, added: “Willowburn Retail Park’s continued growth is an important milestone for Northumberland Estates. With the valued support of Ward Hadaway, the park has established itself as a sought-after destination for retail businesses. Their expertise in overcoming challenges and providing tailored solutions has been integral to the success of this development. The addition of B&M and Mountain Warehouse signals an exciting new chapter for both the park and the community it serves.”
