Next signs up for Eastbourne Arndale Centre extension

Fashion and homes retailer Next has signed up as the third anchor for the 85 million pound extension to the Arndale Centre in Eastbourne, following in the footsteps of H&M.

Legal and General Property said that Next, who are already present in the centre in a unit that will be demolished during the extension work, have taken a ten-year lease for a 21,000 square foot store to act as an anchor in the new extension.

Work on the 170,000 square foot retail and leisure extension, is due to start in late 2015 for full completion by 2018. The development will however have a phased opening with Next and H&M forecast to open in early 2017. The scheme will be arranged over two floors and will contain 22 retail units and seven restaurants, as well as a multi-screen digital cinema and significant extension to the car park.

Michael Barrie, director of fund management at Legal and General Property, said: “Another major step forward for the Arndale Centre extension, this latest anchor letting to Next allows the retailer to significantly expand its town centre presence and offer, bringing full ranges and services.

“Providing the centre of Eastbourne with one of the best shopping offers in the region, the development will not only attract visitors from across the South of England but will act as an important catalyst for the town’s wider regeneration."