A NORTH-EAST firm of chartered surveyors has reeled in a major contract.

Smith Cole Wright, of Newcastle, has been retained by Harry Ramsden, the fish and chip chain, on the development of a 4,000sq ft retail unit being built on part of the Harry Ramsden site at the MetroCentre, in Gateshead.

Crawford Cole, a partner at Smith Cole Wright, said: "We were appointed by Harry Ramsden earlier this year and this is the first transaction we have concluded for them.

"Planning permission on the site has already been granted and construction is now under way, with practical completion due at the end of November.

"3,00osq ft of space has already been pre-let to Durham Pine. A new store will follow on from the company's imminent rebranding to DP Furniture Express, creating five new jobs."

Baker Greggs is to occupy the rest of the space, a move that will create 12 jobs.

Mr Cole said: "The created investment will be sold upon practical completion, thereby releasing development value to Harry Ramsden from a trading property asset.

"We have also recently agreed terms for the acquisition of 5,000sq ft on the seafront in Scarborough for Harry Ramsden, which will be developed into a 100-seat restaurant and takeaway."

Published: 21/10/2003