Land Securities confirms 12,000m2 of lettings at Mapic

UK REIT Land Securities confirmed 127,000 square foot (almost 12,000 m2) of retail and leisure lettings across its shopping centre portfolio and retail development pipeline at the recent Mapic fair in Cannes.

One of the largest letting agreements was for a five-screen Curzon Cinema totalling 21,700 sq ft at the Westgate scheme in Oxford, which Land Securities is planning in partnership with The Crown Estate. Luxury fashion brand Michael Kors also agreed to take a 2,200 sq ft unit at the centre, joining John Lewis which has already confirmed a 142,000 sq ft store, and Next which is taking 47,400 sq ft.

At Buchanan Galleries in Glasgow, where Land Securities is proposing a major extension to create a 1.2 million sq ft retail and dining destination in the heart of the city centre, three new restaurant brands and two well-known fashion brands have all committed to the scheme.

D&D London is making its first entry into the Scottish market, taking 10,000 sq ft for a rooftop dining destination with views over Buchanan Street, while Living Ventures is planning to open two concepts, the Artisan Kitchen & Bar totalling 13,000 sq ft, and The Alchemist totalling 7,000 sq ft. These three sought-after restaurant brands will form part of a 200,000 sq ft leisure district in the new centre.

Mango and Superdry have agreed to take 17,000 sq ft and 15,000 sq ft respectively, further strengthening the line-up for the newly-extended centre which will also include a 150,000 sq ft M&S flagship store, a 300,000 sq ft John Lewis and an extended Next flagship store of 72,000 sq ft.

At Bluewater in Kent, Land Securities has brought seven new brands to the centre since it took ownership in July with names such as White Stuff, Bill’s, American Eagle, Rockar Hyundai and Le Creuset taking space totalling 23,600 sq ft.

At Gunwharf Quays, Land Securities has recently introduced Mint Velvet, Asics, Coast, Watch Station, Musto, Pret a Manger and Pearl Izumi, which have taken a total of 17,000 sq ft. The premium outlet centre has benefited from a 30% change in tenant mix over the last 24 months with the addition of brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, All Saints, Ugg and Radley.

Scott Parsons, managing director of retail at Land Securities, said: ‘This raft of lettings across both our existing and proposed new centres is testament to the strength of our retail portfolio, which we have been reshaping to focus on the key themes of dominance, experience and convenience.’