Restaurants and retailers have flocked to sign at Whiteley, the joint venture retail and leisure development by British Land and Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), which opens in just under four weeks.
The 320,000 sq ft Hampshire development, one of only three UK shopping and leisure schemes opening this year, is now 91% let with a further 13 units in solicitors’ hands.
Situated between the two harbour cities of Portsmouth and Southampton and adjacent to an existing Tesco supermarket, the scheme benefits from excellent accessibility via junction nine of the M27.
Whiteley will be anchored by a 60,000 sq ft M&S. Other retailers already signed include Topshop, Next, H&M, River Island, Clarks, The Entertainer, Mamas and Papas, Schuh, Paperchase, Claire’s, Moss, Boots, JD Sports, Bank and Sports Direct.
Cafes and restaurants
Cafés and restaurants include Costa Coffee, Frankie & Benny’s, Prezzo and Starbucks, with Mexican restaurant chain Chimichanga recently signing for a 3,896 sq ft restaurant. It will be joined by American themed restaurant Dean’s Diner which will open only its fourth UK restaurant having agreed terms on a 2,328 sq ft unit. Harvester will also join the line-up and will occupy 3,980 sq ft.
Claire Barber, Head of Shopping Centre Asset Management for British Land:
“We are in a really strong position with four weeks to go until opening. We have secured a unique line up with a clear focus on fashion, food and beverage and local, independent retailers, creating a real point of difference for our customers.”