Tamworth Council takes over major shopping centre
The ownership of Ankerside Shopping Centre in Tamworth has been transferred to Tamworth Borough Council for £0.
Tamworth Council took control of the venue on November 29 after acquiring the long leasehold interest to add to its existing freehold interest.
It will work with real estate investment trust NewRiver to develop the centre which spans 200,000 sq ft and is anchored by major retailers including Boots, Iceland, Poundland, Bodycare, and Pandora.
Ankerside’s former owner, REI Nederland BV, was acquired by the Irish firm Martin Property Group in 2022, as part of a national portfolio that also included Clarendon Shopping Centre in Hyde, Exchange Shopping Centre in Rochdale, Four Seasons Shopping Centre in Mansfield, Westside Plaza in Edinburgh, and Angel Place Shopping Centre in Bridgwater.
A spokesperson for REI Nederland B.V said: “We are delighted to have worked with Tamworth Borough Council over the past 24 months culminating in the council adding the long leasehold interest to their existing freehold interest. With both interests now held by one party the council are perfectly placed as custodians of the shopping centre to take it on the next part of its asset management journey. ”
Cllr Nova Arkney, portfolio holder for infrastructure, heritage and local economy for Tamworth Borough Council, said: “We’re committed to seeing a town centre fit for the future, and this move seeks to provide stability and reassurance to Ankerside tenants and shoppers and to secure the long-term future of the shopping centre in the heart of our town centre.
“We have plans to invigorate the centre and are supported by NewRiver, a listed specialist owner and manager of retail destinations, in developing this. NewRiver is working on our behalf with all existing Ankerside tenants and contractors to deliver a smooth transition and continued operation of the centre. Ankerside Shopping Centre and the wider Tamworth town centre remain open for business, and we encourage everyone to continue to support the business in our wonderful town.”
