Trafford Centre still ahead of the game
THE intu Trafford Centre has retained its position as the North West’s leading shopping centre – ranked sixth in the UK in the Going Shopping 2017 – The Definitive Guide to Shopping Centres.
Trevor Wood Associates’ latest edition also shows that the UK’s shopping centre pipeline has increased, with 89 proposed schemes or major extensions likely to go ahead before the end of 2023.
Manchester Arndale has risen one place to eighth position, despite the recent BHS closure, while Liverpool ONE slipped from 12th last year to 13th.
Golden Square Shopping Centre in Warrington and The Mall Blackburn both rose one place to 36th and 44th, respectively.
The leading investment manager in the North West is still LaSalle Investmnet Management. Intu Properties, InfraRed and Columbia Threadneedle also retain their positions.
Following the purchase of Marketgate Shopping Centre in Lancaster and The Galleries Shopping Centre in Wigan Ellandi are now in fifth place.
The leading letting agent in the North West is now Barker Proudlove, with Lambert Smith Hampton slipping to second position. Metis maintains third position and Cushman & Wakefield and Lunson Mitchenall retain their positions.
The region’s leading managing agent is now Savills and JLL moves up into second position. Munroe K drops to third and CBRE and Bilfinger GVA maintain their places.
Boots, Card Factory, Costa Coffee, EE and Greggs are found in 50% or more of the top 500 schemes in the North West.
Trevor Wood of Trevor Wood Associates said: “Once again, there were minimal changes to the top t20 shopping centres nationally, with Westfield Stratford City, Bluewater and Westfield London retaining the top three positions.
“However, there have been some notable changes overall this year with over 50% of schemes in the top 500 recording lower scores, four new names in the top 200 and six new names in the top 300.
“Most schemes which have seen BHS stores close, have slipped position, whilst the market adjusts, however we expect this to be a blip rather than a long lasting trend.
“Some of the highest increases were recorded by redeveloped, refurbished or extended schemes and forty-three of the top 500 schemes have been refurbished or extended in the last 24 months.
“There are eight more schemes in the pipeline by 2023 than last year and, when you consider seven schemes in last year’s pipeline have been built out, hopefully this is a reflection of improving market conditions.”
