National café bar chain signs up to £45m Animate scheme
Preston’s £45m council-owned cinema and leisure complex, Animate, has signed up national café bar chain Loungers to the site.
The group has committed to a 15-year lease at the scheme, which is being delivered by Maple Grove Developments. The announcement comes after Eric Wright Construction started on site last month.
The chain has taken a 4,265 sq ft unit, at an initial rent of £100,000 per annum, in a move which will further strengthen the retail and leisure offer at Animate, joining anchor tenants The Arc Cinema and Hollywood Bowl, as well as other national and regional restaurants and a street food hub.
Designed by Leach Rhodes Walker, the wider development will also offer a 164-car park and improvements to landscaping with an outdoor terrace for al fresco dining, street lighting, a changing places facility, improved pedestrian access and new trees.
Only three units are now left – unit 4 in centre of parade (restaurant); unit 6 (food hub) and the competitive social space. Bradys and CBRE are the joint lettings agents for Animate and advised Maple Grove Developments.
Gemma Irwin, community manager at Loungers, said: “A real home from home, we’ll cater for all tastes throughout the day with a varied and innovative all-day menu. Our Lounges strive to put community at the heart of hospitality and our teams always go the extra mile to make a difference.”
Cllr David Borrow, cabinet member for planning and regulation, said: “Loungers is a substantial operator in the UK hospitality sector and the business has proved to be one of the rising stars in the industry over the past three years. Its commitment to Animate is testament to the attractiveness of Preston as a great place to invest in and do business here.”
The scheme is funded and owned by Preston City Council, with support from the Towns Fund (£3.4m), and City Deal (£3.25m). The scheme’s complementary public realm improvements are being supported by a Lancashire County Council Economic Recovery Grant (£800,000).
There are currently 182 Lounges across the UK. The chain was unrepresented.
