Next to upsize Bluewater flagship

High street fashion and homeware retailer Next is upsizing its flagship store at the Bluewater shopping centre in Kent to allow for a new design concept.

Extending to 44,226 square feet, the upsized store will be created by combining two additional units into Next’s existing space, allowing for a larger store to showcase its latest design concept, as well as include young fashion brand Lipsy, which Next owns. Lipsy will relocate from its existing store at Bluewater to occupy a store-within-a-store of around 2,000 square feet, which will also include its own entrance onto upper Thames Walk.

Other elements of the new design concept includes a full-height structural window on the southern side of the store which will flood the two-storey space with natural light, as well as provide views of Bluewater’s chalk cliffs outside. Complementing the glass panel will be two large skylights, adding to the sense of light and space in the newly refitted store.

The refit will begin this month and will be undertaken in phases, with the transformation due to be completed by the summer.

Next to expand existing Bluewater site to incorporate Lipsy

Commenting on the expansion, a Next spokesperson, said: “Bluewater is a key location for Next. We have long felt we could achieve even more, and are therefore delighted our ambition will now be realised.

“This is an exciting project for Next, one that reflects Bluewater’s unique attributes. The sense of light and space in the store combined with the new layout and merchandising, will significantly enhance the experience for our customers.”

Russell Loveland, portfolio director at Land Securities, added: “The creation of a new store for Next is consistent with our strategy of ensuring Bluewater offers not only the very best mix of leading UK and international brands, but unique concepts.

“We have worked closely with Next on the design for this store, particularly on delivering the vision for natural light to play such a key role in the experience. Next’s new Bluewater store will be the perfect showcase for the brand.”

The announcement follows a strong 2014 for Bluewater, with more than 20 brands investing with new store openings, including fashion retailers American Eagle and White Stuff.

Image: Existing Next store in Bluewater