Land Securities has made the decision to increase the floor space of the food court located in the White Rose Shopping Centre, Leeds. A £7 million investment will see the facility triple in size, taking the food court from the present 7,000 sq ft to a space in excess of 21,000 sq ft.
Prezzo will be one of the new tenants
The increase in floor space will allow new restaurateurs to enter the market, with popular brands such as Frankie & Benny’s, Prezzo and Wok ‘n’ Go already confirmed. They will join existing rivals such as Nando’s, Costa Coffee and McDonalds, thus providing a greater variety for hungry shoppers.
Portfolio manager for Land Securities, Harlan Pollitt, believes that the investment will sit well with existing customers and hopes that the wider range of restaurants and cafes will attract new visitors.
He says; “We’re committed to investing in the future of the scheme to ensure it continues to attract and grow its loyal following of 12.5 million shoppers each year.
“Customer feedback indicated the need to improve our food and beverage offer and we believe the customer journey and experience will be enhanced with the expansion.
“This will also no doubt have a positive increase on dwell time which currently stands at 99 minutes per visit.”
Yet it is not simply the food court that Land Securities aims to improve over the coming year or so. While expansion work in the area is expected to be completed by Spring 2014, further development works elsewhere in the shopping centre may be beginning around that time.
Land Securities recently submitted a planning application to Leeds City Council which, if granted, will see a multi-screen cinema and additional retail space further increase the commercial space on offer in the complex. Additionally, four new catering outlets will work in conjunction with the larger food court in order to meet demand for refreshments and meals on the go.
Mr Pollitt continues; “I’m convinced the expansion will have a knock on effect on the number of retailers launching new concept stores and re-fits – if we significantly enhance the asset then it will drive the retailers to follow suit.
“In the past 12 months alone we have secured deals on 60,850 sq ft of catering and retail space including Boux Avenue, Bank, Superdry, Costa Coffee and Paperchase.
“The food court redevelopment will add momentum to the high calibre of retailers that are launching within the scheme and it will cement White Rose’s position as a fashion and leisure destination.”
Do you believe that the success of retail developments now hinges upon the leisure facilities they can offer, such as cinemas and restaurants, or do consumers still primarily consider the calibre of retailers on site when choosing where to spend?
