intu has signed leading cinema operator Cineworld as the leisure anchor for its £100 million retail and leisure development in Watford town centre. Cineworld will open a nearly 40,000 sq ft cinema, which will have approximately 1,500 seats and nine screens – one of which will be an IMAX.
Vibrant restaurant hub
The £100 million project, which has received planning permission, includes plans to redevelop Charter Place and substantially refurbish the adjoining intu Watford centre. When complete, intu will integrate the two adjoining centres, creating an exciting 1.4 million sq ft destination, which will provide additional retail space, a cinema and leisure complex, along with a vibrant restaurant hub.
As part of the development, larger modern retail units will be created to attract strong brands and further enhance the shopping experience at intu Watford. A public square will also be created that will host a diverse events programme, such as street theatre and music shows.
Construction of the development is due to start in 2015 year with the development due to open in 2017.
Rebecca Ryman, regional director at intu comments, “The signing of Cineworld to Watford as anchor for our development is hugely significant for the town. We will deliver a fantastic new dining, leisure and retail experience which will be the best in the region and the signing of Cineworld is a key part of that.”
In 2013 intu Watford welcomed a number of new and upsizing retailers to the scheme including little Waitrose in John Lewis, Tortilla, Hotter Shoes, Watch Warehouse, and Ed’s Easy Diner.
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