The Frenchgate Limited Partnership – owners of Doncaster’s Frenchgate Shopping Centre– have implemented a three stage “performance plan” designed to strengthen the tenant mix at the 800,000 sq ft South Yorkshire centre.
The first stage of the £10m plan, which is now underway, has seen specialist jewellery brand Pandora take up a lease for a 950 sq ft space and sister brand Argento expanding its existing store in Frenchgate.
Owner and chief executive officer of Pandora and Argento Jewellery, Peter Boyle, believes that Frenchgate provides an exciting opportunity for the brands.
He says; “We are extremely excited to announce we will be opening the town’s first Pandora concept store in Frenchgate.
“Pandora is the UK’s most popular jewellery brand and we are delighted to present this opportunity to the Frenchgate customers.
“Our additional investment into refitting Argento at Frenchgate provides us with an important chance to increase our brand presence and delivers on our commitment to assist in the revitalisation of the high street.”
And it is not only these brands taking-up space, expanding or undergoing refits within Frenchgate. New lettings include Schuh and Party Magic, while Clinton Cards and Holland & Barrett are both resizing and Vodafone is having a 1,000 sq ft refit.
Frenchgate is also providing opportunities for independent retailers to take up commercial space, with Beauty4U taking up an 816sq ft unit – previously, it existed as a kiosk retailer outside the centre.
The Frenchgate consortium’s performance plan is due to be completed in the second quarter of 2015 and includes plans to introduce a number of new and innovative leisure concepts.
Although the next stages have not yet been announced to the public, details of the second stage are due to be released in the autumn of this year, with the final stage’s details to be confirmed next year.
Asset Manager Paul Devlin believes that the plan will help to build on the strong performance already achieved by the shopping centre, which attracts 19m visitors a year.
He says; “Frenchgate has outperformed in its sector due to its town centre position and unique transportation hub incorporating bus, rail and multi storey parking – so this new plan makes perfect sense.
“Sunday trading has particularly been a real boost to sales whilst our 20,000 student population from Doncaster College, located only minutes away, provides an eager young customer base.
“Our footfall is increasing year on year and we undoubtedly benefit from our close proximity to the town centre market and our position directly above the bus and rail interchange, which provides a natural flow of visitors consistently throughout the year.”
Frenchgate Shopping Centre has been at the heart of the town centre for over 40 years and is home to over 120 top brand shops and eateries including Debenham’s, Next, Sainsbury’s, Poundland and Wilkinson’s.
