Opinions.

Maidstone signs up River Island

April 2016

River Island takes one of the largest fashion units in the scheme, a 13,500 sq ft store formerly let to Next. The retailer moves from elsewhere in the town and is currently fitting out its new store. It will complement existing fashion tenants including H&M, Zara and Top Shop.

Other recent lettings include a store to Quiz with 2,100 sq ft on the ground floor and 1,350 sq ft on the first on a five year lease at £105,000 pa. Elsewhere GCW has agreed a regear of the lease with Build a Bear who makes a 10 year commitment to the centre.

GCW was appointed to act on the 350,000 sq ft open-air scheme following its purchase by M&G late in 2014. The next steps include creating a defined restaurant element to the scheme to complement the existing units let to Bill’s, Pret a Manger and Patisserie Valerie. Some existing units will be remodelled with the street scape opened up to offer opportunities for al fresco dining.

Contact duncan.kite@gcw.co.uk