Frenchgate shopping centre unveils investment plan

The Frenchgate shopping centre in Doncaster has unveiled a three-stage “performance plan” to utilise its planned 10 million pound investment to reposition the Yorkshire town centre. The Frenchgate Limited Partnership, a private Irish investment consortium which owns the shopping centre, has stated that the plan

divided into three stages is designed to strengthen the centre’s tenant mix, improving the quality of shopping in line with customer expectations, as well as introduce new leisure concepts.

The shopping centre has already begun with the first stage of the plan by signing new retailers such as footwear retailer Schuh, which is opening a 4,000 square foot space, and jewellery brand Pandora that is taking a 950 square foot unit.

In addition, a number of existing tenants including fashion jewellery brand Argento are upsizing, resizing or investing in refits across a combined total of over 17,282 square foot of space.

Doncaster shopping centre plans 10 million pound investment

It is hoped that the overall investment plan will be completed by Q2 in 2015, with the second stage due to be announced in the autumn and the third in 2015.

Frenchgate asset manager Paul Devlin said: “Frenchgate has outperformed in its sector due to its town centre position and unique transportation hub incorporating bus, rail and multi-storey parking – so this new plan makes perfect sense.

“Sunday trading has particularly been a real boost to sales, whilst our 20,000 student population from Doncaster College – located only minutes away – provides an eager, young customer base.

“Our footfall is increasing year on year and we undoubtedly benefit from our close proximity to the town centre market and our position directly above the bus and rail interchange, which provides a natural flow of visitors consistently throughout the year.”

Image: Frenchgate Shopping Centre