Intu has submitted a planning application to create a new catering cluster at intu Victoria Centre, Nottingham. The dining area will cover two floors and provide for up to 12 units. The proposal also includes a feature entrance around the existing Grade II listed Clock Tower at the centre.
23 million visitors to stay longer
The design will bring new elevation and facade improvements, and outside seating will be incorporated onto the existing piazza area, providing animation to the street scene.
Martin Breeden, asset management director, said: “We already receive over 23 million visitors to intu Victoria Centre each year and with these proposals and the mall refreshment, we can increase that figure and also increase the time our customers spend in the centre. Our initial marketing of the project has been very well received by restaurant operators.”
£35 million investment
The project is the next step of intu’s plans to invest over £35 million in intu Victoria Centre, the first stage of which was announced last month with the submission of a planning application for the Lower Parliament Street entrance, designed to enhance the physical appearance of the southern elevation of the centre.
In addition to these works, intu has plans to invest substantial further sums in its two Nottingham centres with development plans for intu Broadmarsh followed by the northern extension at intu Victoria Centre which is awaiting determination by Nottingham City Council.
The centre is undergoing other exciting changes this year, with the installation of free high speed WiFi due over the summer, as part of intu’s £8 million digital infrastructure plan aimed at integrating the physical and digital world, providing a seamless multi-channel experience for its shoppers.
Proving that catering is a serious focus for intu, this planning application comes hot on the heels of intu’s planning application to create a £17 million destination dining quarter at intu Eldon Square, announced last week.
Intu Properties plc
Intu Properties plc (formerly Capital Shopping Centres PLC) owns and operates ten of the UK’s top 25 shopping centres, with every one of the UK’s top 20 retailers in them, alongside some of the world’s most iconic global brands.
With over 17 million sq ft of retail space valued at over £7 billion as at 31 December 2012, the centres attract some 340 million customer visits a year and two thirds of the UK population live within a 45 minute drive time of one of the centres.