Department store opening hailed as catalyst for growth
Department store Debenhams has opened a new store in Wolverhampton, marking one of the most significant retail events in the city’s recent history.
The new 93,000 sq ft store, which has created more than 150 jobs, is acting as anchor tenant to the revamped Mander Centre and heralds a rebirth of the city’s retail fortunes.
The opening of the store (pictured below) is part of a £35m project to redevelop the 600,000 sq ft shopping centre, owned by Benson Elliot.
The firm expects the arrival of such a prestigious retailer to act as a catalyst to the city’s ongoing regeneration and prove a magnet for attracting other big names.
Jonathan Ratnage, Investment Manager from Benson Elliot, said: “We are delighted to welcome Debenhams to the Mander Centre. The store’s opening and the redevelopment of the centre marks a significant and eagerly anticipated investment in the region’s second largest city.”
Rob Hadfield, Director of Group Property at Debenhams, said: “Wolverhampton is one of the largest markets which does not currently have a Debenhams store. We are delighted to be finally opening in the city. This will be the second store to follow a new layout and customer journey following on from our Debenhams Redesigned strategy. Customers will find the store to be inviting and friendly along with new elements such as our new Loaf & Bloom restaurant offer.”
City of Wolverhampton Council cabinet member for City Economy, Cllr John Reynolds, said: “We are delighted to see a major brand like Debenhams open a flagship store in Wolverhampton.
“The new-look Mander Centre will be a huge boost to the city’s retail offer and is creating jobs for the people of Wolverhampton. It is an exciting time ahead in terms of regeneration, with £1bn of investment in city centre projects – part of £3bn of investment either on site or in the pipeline in Wolverhampton as a whole.”
Property advisor, Cushman & Wakefield acted on behalf of Benson Elliot to agree the deal.
Adam Lazenbury, Partner in Cushman & Wakefield’s National Retail team, said: “This is an exciting stage in the redevelopment of the Mander Centre. As we reach the final stages of the redevelopment program, shoppers will start to see a transformation in their shopping environment.”
The Mander Centre attracts up to 17 million visitors annually and the current reconfiguration has created 10 new units in the best fashion and leisure pitch. Recent additions to the centre include Footasylum, The Entertainer, JD Sports and a 30,000 sq ft H&M which includes a Homeware section – the first of its kind the Midlands.
Cushman & Wakefield, which also manages the centre, and joint letting agents Jackson Criss are currently marketing other opportunities on the site.
Opening of Debenhams at the Mander Centre
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