Opinions.

Haywards Heath woos tenants with upgrade

October 2013

Two new retailers, Phones4U and Mountain Warehouse, have moved to The Orchards in Haywards Heath providing a boost to the tenant mix. Phones4U has taken a 770 sq ft store on a new 10 year lease with a tenant break after five years at £33,000pa and outdoor retailer, Mountain Warehouse takes a 3,500 sq ft unit on a five year lease at £52,500 pa.  Owner, F & C Reit has won planning consent for the first phase of a refurbishment programme at the centre which aims to attract aspirational retailers following the success of Fat Face’s opening at The Orchards.

 The refurbishment plans will modernise the centre, taking down existing canopies, replacing and improving shop fronts and improving sight lines. GCW has acted as letting agent on the scheme for over a decade. Anchored by Marks & Spencer with 37 other units, it is the dominant scheme in a town that has a very affluent catchment.