Hammerson unveils plans to revamp Highcross shopping centre

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Jun 28, 2017

Hammerson is planning to redevelop a part of Highcross in a bid to create larger stores, improve the entrance at St Peter’s Square and rejuvenate the surrounding shopping streets.

The shopping centre owner has been granted planning consent by Leicester County Council to complete a major reconfiguration of the former House of Fraser outlet store, which is spread over three floors totalling approximately 100,000 sq ft.

This space will be transformed into eight new individual units of varying floor space, allowing a range of retailers create experimental flagship stores and increase their presence at the shopping mall. Three units have already been let by leading retailers including Zara, JD Sports and Treetop Adventure Golf.

The refurbished St Peter’s Square entrance will be anchored by Zara, which is creating a 3,300 sq ft flagship unit that will offer the brand’s full range of womenswear, menswear, shoes and accessories. For the Spanish label, this means doubling its footprint at Highcross.

JD Sports is also significantly increasing its presence at the mall with a new 1,900 sq ft unit. The new store will enable the leading retailer of branded and own brand sports and fashionwear to capitalise fully on the growing popularity of athleisure and casual wear.

“The planning approval marks a major milestone in the enhancement of Highcross, allowing us to put in place new flagships and concepts and create a fresh and relevant tenant mix,” said Peter Cooper, Director UK Shopping Centres at Hammerson.

“We are delighted to confirm upsized Zara and JD Sports stores, testament to the strength of the centre as the leading regional retail destination. The news reflects a wider trend within the retail industry in which we are seeing international brands prioritise large, flagship stores in key regional destinations. And with the addition of Treetop Adventure Golf, Highcross will soon offer a unique leisure experience to complement its leading mix of retail.”

Works are expected to complete in the second half of 2018.