The 30,000 sq ft Russell Dean-branded Stokers store replaces the previous 18,000 sq ft outlet, which was badly damaged during severe flooding on Boxing Day in 2015.
Managing Director, Jonathan Stoker, explained: "Since Russell Dean is located adjacent to the River Calder the probability of further floods will always remain and so we had to consider relocating. However, given the heritage of the store and our loyal customer based we decided to buy the freehold and build a new store that could withstand future incidents.
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"We appointed Britcon to design and build a flood resistant structure and they have delivered a new robust store that is effectively on stilts with car parking in the under croft of two display floors. With the new design, we have been able to almost double display capacity to 30,000 sq ft making our investment more viable and also providing a new light and airy customer experience."
Britcon Managing Director, Paul Clarkson, said the project was completede within a tight timeframe and restricting environment.
"We worked closely with the environment agency and various local groups to avoid any disruption to the high street and adjacent canal side towpaths," he said.
"This involved working within very tight parameters to prepare the site and ground anchoring the existing stone built retaining wall to Midgely Road whilst the building was being demolished.
"We built a new retaining wall to Midgley Road which climbs steeply to the North-West boundary of the site with the new building elevation right against the rear of the existing footpath and thereafter constructed a new building on three levels.
"We applied value engineering techniques to keep the project within budget and completed the project in time for trading in Spring 2018."
(LM)
