Westfield and Hermes Real Estate have unveiled a multi-million-pound repositioning of The Friary shopping centre in Guildford at BCSC conference in Manchester today.
The joint owners have submitted a planning application to Guildford borough council to reconfigure space to offer five new large format stores. Sir Phillip Green’s Topshop brand has committed to an extension and Primark has recently opened its first Guildford store at the centre.
A new food court is also planned, which will be consistent with Westfield’s Eat Central brand, which has been introduced at the developer’s Merry Hill and Westfield Derby shopping centres.
Other improvements will include new entrances and new and modern shop frontages.
The Friary comprises three levels with over 60 retailers.
Peter Miller, chief operating officer, Westfield UK / Europe, said: “Household incomes in Guildford are a third higher than the UK average and the centre attracts shoppers from within the affluent Surrey catchment. By carrying out there works we are opening up the opportunity for leading UK retailers to take modern space within Guildford .”
Ben Tolhurst, asset manager at Hermes, said: “The Friary is a key asset wthin our retail portfolio and the repositioning plans are central to our maximising our investment here. This repositioning will ensure that we are able to give these retailers what they want in terms of space and thereby attract multinational brands and improve the town’s current retail offer.”
annabel.dixon@estatesgazette.com
To access all EGi news stories and commercial property data sign up for a free trial today, or visit the subscription options page to find out more.
