Johnston Houston was initially instructed in September 2022 on behalf of the owner of Rushmere Shopping Centre and Retail Park in connection with the sale of the Property. Rushmere Shopping Centre is one of Northern Ireland’s largest out of town shopping centre complexes providing over 65 stores with 1800 car parking spaces and integral Retail Park and Petrol Filing Station. The Retail Park houses many of the well-known national retail outlets including Matalan, Homebase, Curry’s and Argos amongst others. The Shopping Centre was anchored by Primark, TK Maxx, Dunnes Stores and Sainsburys at the time of our survey.

Johnston Houston initially undertook a Vendor’s Building Survey and report which was essential for the sale of the Centre in January 2023 to a Northern Ireland based investor. Johnston Houston, in the timescales available for the sales process, was asked to provide our survey report and findings within a 3 week timeframe from inspection. We had to work closely with both the client, its legal team and asset manager to identify and prioritise construction matters and building defects that would affect any future purchaser’s interest in the property. Ultimately the timetable for reporting was successfully achieved and our report formed an important component of the Vendors Data Room with the purchaser taking reliance on our report.

Our services have been retained by the purchaser and we have recently prepared a Schedule of Dilapidations which was served on Sainsburys in March 2023 when this Tenant surrendered its leasehold interest. Additional Building Surveying services have followed which include a recent instruction to prepare a Schedule of Dilapidations for service on one of the retail warehouse units along with general consultancy advice and defects diagnosis. We expect to continue our strong working relationship with the new owner of Rushmere Shopping Centre in the future.