Footfall up at CSC portfolio

TRAFFORD Centre owner Capital Shopping Centres said it had recorded it second consecutive quarter of improving fotfall across its portfolio.

In an interim management statement for the four months to November it said it had signed 45 new long-term leases generating £14m annual rent, and occupancy now stands at 96%, up from 95% in June.

The group, which also owns Lakeside in Essex, said work had started at The Trafford Centre’s Barton Square to create a Sealife Aquarium and planning consent had been granted for 93,000 sq ft of additional space on the upper level.

Chief executive David Fischel said: “Our prime UK shopping centres have recorded positive momentum with steady footfall figures and the opening of 60 new stores and restaurants in the period.

“We continue to make good progress on our pipeline of active management projects and extensions which will ensure that our centres continue to provide attractive destinations to consumers and retailers for the long term.”