Meadowhall refurbishment attracts new signings

The 60 million pound refurbishment of Yorkshire’s Meadowhall shopping centre has attracted six new signings and upsizing totalling over 85,000 square foot.

The biggest upsize will be from budget fashion retailer Primark which is extending its existing 21,000 square foot store to create a 95,000 square foot flagship, as it moves into part of the former BHS unit.

While Sports Direct has leased the remainder of the former BHS unit, increasing its presence in the shopping centre to 44,000 square foot. Work has already started to create the larger stores for both brands, with the new regional flagships expected to launch this autumn.

Tom Meager, group director of property at Primark, said: “The chance to create a larger store at Meadowhall was one we could not miss. We will open our new store at Meadowhall just as British Land completes the bulk of its refurbishment, so the timing could not be better.”

They will be joined by new stores from Schuh Kids, which is opening a 9,000 square foot store and Timberland, who has secured a new look 1,950 square foot store, both are opening on Meadowhall’s High Street in April.

The other signings include household goods retailer Wilko and coffee shop Second Cup.

Richard Crowther, asset manager for British Land, added: “With the refurbishment gathering pace, more and more brands are seeking to locate their leading stores at Meadowhall. For many, this means expanding their existing presence, allowing them to stock their full product range and benefit from the placemaking activities British Land brings to all its retail centres.

“These signings are ahead of previous rents, complement the refurbishment and reaffirm Meadowhall’s reputation as the leading shopping destination in the region. This is a very exciting time for the centre.”

The latest signings and upsizes follow recent openings by Nespresso, Hawes and Curtis, T2, The Entertainer, Barburrito, Coffika, and Pret A Manger, along with new larger stores for JD Sports and Virgin Holidays.

Images: courtesy of Meadowhall/Primark