Intu Watford to undergo makeover ahead of multi-million pound expansion

Shopping centre intu Watford is set to undergo a multi-million pound makeover ahead of the launch of its 180 million pound expansion later this year.

Prior to the opening of the 400,000 square foot extension, Intu is set to invest an additional 13 million pounds in updating the shopping centre interior, replacing the flooring, ceilings and lighting.

In addition, customer car parks will also be upgraded and public toilets will be refurbished to enhance shoppers overall experience at Watford ahead of the opening of the extension. The expanded shopping centre will then begin its phased opening from September.

Intu Watford is currently anchored by John Lewis and is home to a number of international retailers, such as Zara, Kurt Geiger and H&M. Work to expand the shopping centre into a 1.4 million square foot shopping destination is well underway, with a number of new brands including Debenhams, Jack Wills and Superdry set to open stores in the expended shopping centre.

"Every area of the centre is being redesigned and redeveloped as we get ready to launch our new extension," said Rebecca Ryman, regional managing director at intu, in a statement.

"We’re creating what will be one of the biggest in-town retail and leisure destinations and combined with our extensive mall refurbishment programme, this will create the very best environment for intu Watford’s retailers to flourish and to attract an expanding affluent catchment base."

The work under the refurbishment scheme first began last year by contractors Knight Harwood and is expected to be completed in the coming months. Laing O’ Rourke are appointed contractors for intu Watford’s extension.

Photos: Courtesy of intu