Following intu’s announcement last month that it intends to invest over £35 mln (approx. €41.6 mln) at intu Victoria Centre, the first steps have been taken with the submission of a planning application today for the Lower Parliament Street entrance, designed to enhance the physical appearance of the southern elevation of the center.
Planning permission is being sought for external alterations to include contemporary panels cladding the existing concrete facade, either side of a prominent glazed entrance which will greatly improve the look of intu Victoria Centre from the outside. Intu has released a further illustrative impression of how this could look.
The full refurbishment and re-modeling project will include structural changes such as removing staircases and walkways to open up visibility throughout the mall, reconfiguration of space to create enhanced shop frontages, and a refresh and upgrade of the center and its finishes including new ceilings, remodeled bulkheads, new flooring materials, lighting and upgraded customer toilet facilities. Further re-modeling is proposed around the clock tower, with the creation of a catering cluster. A planning application is being worked up for submission later this summer.
Martin Breeden, asset management director said: "We’re in discussions with many retailers who are interested in joining intu Victoria Centre. By investing in the upgrade and enhancement of the center, we’re creating an attractive environment for new retailers to join and for existing tenants to trade strongly in."
Subject to planning being granted, works will start on site during January 2014.
The center is undergoing some other exciting changes this year, with the installation of free high speed WiFi later this year. This forms 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.
In addition to these works, intu has plans to invest substantial further sums in its two Nottingham centers with development plans for intu Broadmarsh followed by the northern extension at intu Victoria Centre which is awaiting determination from Nottingham City Council.
Source: intu Properties
