As retailers continue to invest in their store networks, shopping centre owners are increasingly channelling funds into providing commercial retail space which is attractive, flexible and most of all provides tenants with a steady stream of consumers. Owners of the Weston Favell Shopping Centre in Northampton, Redefine International, believe this can be achieved through an extensive redevelopment of the complex, with the outline plans for the upcoming project revealed earlier this week.
Under the plans, which are currently open for public scrutiny as part of a consultation process, the centre’s original atrium will be reintroduced to the scheme as part of a plan to cut energy bills by improving natural light. A new feature canopied entrance will also be created in order to form a good first impression for shoppers entering the centre via the lower ground floor.
However, it is the creation of the new multi-functional public space within the current entranceway which has caused the greatest buzz around this project, as it is believed this area will be used as a destination for local independent retailers to showcase their goods.
Centre manager Kevin Legg believes it is likely that the public consultation will have a positive outcome.
He says; “It is great to see all the support that our development is getting and so far all of our feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
“We are looking forward to getting the work underway and investing in the future of our community in Weston Favell.”
Plans for a grand scale refurbishment of the centre were first announced by Redefine International at the end of September this year and were immediately welcomed by the local authority. Should all go as planned, work is scheduled to begin in January 2015 and the new-look centre will then be unveiled to the public in August.
The centre also recently celebrated its 40th anniversary, and Northampton-North MP Michael Ellis chose this occasion to visit Weston Favell to appraise the redevelopment plans. At that time he discussed the two phases of the upcoming works, which in total are expected to cost around £4 million.
Mr Ellis said; “I was delighted to visit Weston Favell Shopping Centre recently to see their exciting plans for the future.
“Weston Favell Shopping Centre already provides a valuable service to the people of Northampton, as it has for 40 years, and I have no doubt this investment and redevelopment will ensure that that service to the community continues and improves.”
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