British Land reports that its Hampshire retail and leisure development, Whiteley Shopping Centre, is over 90 per cent let. Among the latest names to take space on the site are Fat Face (5,100 sq ft), The Body Shop (1,400 sq ft) and Jones Bootmaker (1,518 sq ft).
They join a host of high street retailers already on board including M&S, Next, Boots, River Island and Top Shop. But Whiteley isn’t only about big names. When the 320,000 sq ft centre opens in three weeks’ time, visitors will find independents such as Little Soles, Xpress Beauty and Solent Cycles nestling among their bigger neighbours.
Shoppers will be able to get their first taste of this exciting retail destination at a grand opening ceremony on Thursday 23rd May at 11am. This will be followed by four days of special events over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend.
These include music, fashion shoots and lots of great activities for the children to enjoy. And, of course, many of the stores will be marking the opening with great offers and fun events of their own.
With so much to experience it will come as no surprise that a little relaxation might be called for in between exploring the shops – and Whiteley has plenty to offer when it comes to food and drink.
Mexican restaurant chain Chimichanga has recently signed a lease on a 3,896 sq ft space at the shopping centre, joining American themed restaurant Dean’s Diner, Frankie & Benny’s, Prezzo, Harvester and independent eatery Montagu’s.
There’s also a great choice when it comes to cappuccino and latté, with branches of Caffé Nero, Costa and Starbucks ready to supply that much needed caffeine fix to flagging shoppers!
Head of shopping centre asset management at British Land, Claire Barber, is confident Whiteley is in a strong position as the opening approaches.
“We have secured a unique line up with a clear focus on fashion, food and beverage and local, independent retailers, creating a real point of difference for our customers,” she said.
Whiteley Shopping Centre is a joint venture between British Land and Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) and is one of only three new shopping centres scheduled to open in the UK this year.
It is located one mile from junction 9 of the M27, midway between Southampton and Portsmouth.
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