REAL estate specialists at Mace & Jones have advised on a unique partnership between a supermarket and the Territorial Army – to fund a new store and an army base at the same time.
The Liverpool firm has worked on the deal between the North West of England and Isle of Man Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (RFCA) and Asda, which will see the superstore build the association a new Territorial Army centre and joint cadet building at Netherton Way, Bootle.
Asda has exchanged contracts with the RFCA for the new TA Centre for 238 (Sefton) Squadron Royal Logistic Corps, part of 156 (North West) Transport Regiment Royal Logistic Corps (Volunteers).
Janice Weatherly, real estate partner at Mace & Jones, said: “Asda has already started work on the new site and the RFCA will move into its new home next year. Asda will then construct its new 40,000 sq ft store on the Strand Lane site.
“The RFCA is a long-standing client of ours and we wanted to secure the best deal possible for it.
“What Asda has offered in exchange for the RFCA’s current site is a new Territorial Army Centre, and joint cadet building for the Army Cadet Force and Air Training Corps.�
Sefton Council’s deputy chief executive, Alan Moore, added: “It has taken years, but this partnership is finally coming to fruition and people will soon be able to see progress. This is great for the TA, Cadets, Asda and more importantly Bootle.�
Colonel Gerry Wells-Cole OBE, chief executive of the North West of England and Isle of Man RFCA, said: “We are pleased that a deal has been agreed with Asda which will provide modernised and improved facilities for the new Territorial Army Centre, complete with all anti-terrorism and Government requirements. We are also delighted that a joint Cadet Hut for the Army Cadet Force and Air Training Corps is being built. These facilities will be of significant benefit for Bootle.�
The store will be one of Asda’s first eco-stores through more sustainable construction techniques and various in store features. Among the store’s features will be a timber-frame and bio mass heater.
Asda’s Andy King added: “By creating better links to the town centre, we hope to help regenerate Bootle by increasing the number of people who travel into the town to shop. The new eco-store will create hundreds of jobs.�