Whiteley Shopping Centre reaches almost 80% pre-let
The owners of the new Whiteley Shopping Centre in Hampshire have confirmed that the centre is almost 80% pre-let ahead of its opening planned for Spring 2013.
The Whiteley Co-Ownership Trust, a joint venture between British Land and Universities Superannuation Scheme Limited, said it had received ten new lettings, totalling 24,700 sq ft, at the 320,000 sq ft centre.
The latest pre-lets include River Island (6,354 sq ft), Clarks (4,806 sq ft), The Entertainer (4,047 sq ft), Mamas and Papas (4,004 sq ft), Schuh (3,872 sq ft), Paperchase (1,502 sq ft), Claire’s (1,115 sq ft), Moss (2,135 sq ft) and Costa (2,200 sq ft) on 10 year leases. Prezzo (2,443 sq ft) has taken a 20 year lease.
Marks & Spencer, Next and the existing Tesco supermarket have already committed to anchor the scheme which features contemporary shop units with double and triple height glazing and oak panels centred around a new town square. Pre-lets already announced include H&M (18,200 sq ft), Boots (12,300 sq ft), JD Sports (6,800 sq ft), Bank (6,300 sq ft), Sports Direct (10,700 sq ft), Frankie & Benny’s (4,000 sq ft) and Starbucks (2,500 sq ft). A further 12 units are in solicitors’ hands.
Claire Barber, head of shopping centre asset management for British Land, said: “Whiteley Shopping Centre is one of only two new schemes opening in 2013 and we are continuing to see strong retailer demand for space. We are delighted to be 78% let or under offer with eight months to go until opening.
“The recent lettings continue to prove that Whiteley can deliver what retailers want: the right location, affordable rents and the right type of space in a high quality environment.”
Neil Hardiman,development manager for USS, added: “Whiteley is satisfying the needs of a wide range of retailers who are attracted to the location by the quality of the catchment. The letting success to date is testament to the scheme having the right ingredients, and we expect to be announcing further lettings shortly.”
The shopping centre will comprise a range of retail space, restaurants, cafés and other facilities and 1,136 free car park spaces.
Designed by architect Corstophine and Wright, the centre will serve a catchment of 1.2 million people with an estimated £3.1 billion potential spend. The catchment is set to expand further with the building of 3,500 new homes at North Whiteley.
