Opinions.

Eastbourne centre plans expansion

November 2013

Eastbourne’s Langney Shopping Centre has won the go-ahead from planners for a major extension. 

The development will see 40,000 sq ft added to the existing 130,000 sq ft of space at the busy district centre which is anchored by Tesco Metro alongside other retailers including Family Bargains, Iceland, Boots and Card Factory. Langney, which is owned by a joint venture of London & Associated Properties and Columbus Capital, suffered a set-back late in 2012 when part of the roof collapsed and the centre was closed for some time. Several of the existing retailers, M & Co and Tesco Metro took the opportunity of the closure to invest and refit their stores.  The roof has now been restored, the centre fully open and building work is ready to begin on the extension. It is likely to house a major store of around 15,000 sq ft plus ten smaller units. GCW is looking to secure an agreement to lease from an anchor store before building work starts.

“Langney is in need of rejuvenation to extend and improve the retail offer and to attract more shoppers and tenants. The extension will breathe new life into the centre and retailers are keen to move to Eastbourne. We are out in the market to secure a pre-let” says GCW director Nick Warr.