January 28, 2011
Primark is to open a flagship store at Metrocentre following the Odeon and TK Maxx, making it the centre’s third new anchor inside two years.
Primark’s new 74,500 sq ft unit comprises the former Woolworths store, adjacent space and a new 15,000 sq ft rear extension. The multi level store is at the junction of Grey Mall, where Office, USC and Jack and Jones have all taken stores this year; Yellow Mall, which houses the highly successful Metrocentre Qube leisure and dining venue; and Blue Mall where Europe’s first combined TK Maxx/Homesense opened in September last year.
The fashion retailer’s move to upsize from its current 50,000 sq ft ground floor store in the Red Mall to its new unit near the Odeon fulfils a key element of the Metrocentre strategy to incorporate quality flagship stores throughout the centre. Other fashion anchors include Marks and Spencer, House of Fraser and Debenhams.
Martin Breeden, director of asset management (northern portfolio) at Capital Shopping Centres said: “This is an excellent letting for Metrocentre and Primark will reinforce the fashion pitch in this part of the scheme. This latest anchor store sits alongside some fabulous new lettings, including Radley which launched its latest store design here recently.”
Primark will reopen in Europe’s largest covered shopping and leisure centre in the second half of next year, releasing prime retail space in the Red Mall – which is already under detailed discussion with another fashion anchor.
Letting agents for Metrocentre are Sanderson Weatherall and Lunson Mitchenall; Eric Young & Co acted for Primark.
Metrocentre is managed by Capital Shopping Centres on behalf of the Metrocentre Partnership.
