LGP unveils £65-million Eastbourne Arndale Centre expansion plans (UK)

The first images have been released of how the Eastbourne Arndale Centre could look following a £65-million (approx. €74-million) extension. The extension is being proposed by the Performance Retail Limited Partnership (PRLP), a joint venture between Legal & General Property and Strathclyde Pension Fund.








Eastbourne Arndale Centre Expansion

The extension would boost Eastbourne's retail offer.



If approved, the proposal will create between 15 and 20 new shops totaling circa 150,000 ft² (approx. 14,000 m²) along with up to 500 jobs in a completely redesigned western wing to the Centre.

The extension has been welcomed by the Council's Leaders as an exciting and vital boost to the town's economy which will attract thousands more people to Eastbourne.

The plans, if approved, will boost Eastbourne's retail offer and allow the creation of large units to attract new tenants to the town and allow existing retailers to expand to provide the range of retailers to meet proven demand for the town.

Simon Russian, Senior Fund Manager at Legal & General Property, said: "The Eastbourne Arndale Centre has the potential to be an attractive gateway into the town. There is a strong demand for new retail space in Eastbourne and the expansion of the Arndale will act as a catalyst to attract more regeneration and investment in the town center.

"The Council has been very helpful in assisting us to develop proposals that will maximize the benefits for the whole of Eastbourne. The release of these new images coincides with our discussions with local stakeholders prior to submitting a planning application next year and ongoing discussions we have with occupiers."

Subject to further discussions with the Council, a planning application is expected to be submitted in early 2012. If planning permission is granted, the extension could be open by 2015. Lunson Mitchenall and DTZ are the letting agents and the scheme will be designed by TP Bennett.

In a joint statement, Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council Cllr David Tutt and Eastbourne Borough Council Conservative Group Leader Cllr David Elkin, said: "Extending and improving the town's main shopping center is crucial in terms of strengthening Eastbourne as a retail destination and ensuring our economic development is sustainable.

"By creating larger and more flexible retail units we will be able to attract more big name High Street brands, and with them far greater numbers of shoppers, which in turn will help sustain the wider retail sector throughout the town and create new jobs.

"The council supports the plans and looks forward to PRLP submitting a full planning application in 2012."

Source: FD


Related News