Debenhams set to anchor new Stafford retail development
NATIONAL retailer Debenhams is to anchor a new shopping development in Stafford after agreeing to the lease of a new £50m, 56,000 sq ft unit in the town.
LXB Retail Properties said Debenhams was the second pre-let after Marks & Spencer, to move onto the Riverside development.
It will be the department store’s only outlet in the town and the new store is also expected to create in the region of 70 new jobs.
It is the retailer’s second major commitment to Staffordshire in recent months and follows its decision to take a let on the former TJ Hughes store in the Three Spires Centre in Lichfield.
The new Stafford store will create space for fashion and homeware brands and substantial improvements to the external environment and parking facilities of the town centre.
A planning application reflecting the latest configuration of the development has recently been submitted to Stafford Borough Council and is due to be determined shortly.
Carl Barrand, of LXB Adviser, said: “Attracting one of the UK’s most successful department stores demonstrates confidence in both LXB’s vision for retail in the town centre and the consumer catchment. Having a full-line Debenhams in Stafford alongside the proposed new M&S store will retain retail spend within the town and reduce the spending leakage to other regional destinations.”
Gareth Dougherty, at Debenhams, added: “We are pleased to have at last secured a store in Stafford as we have had a long standing requirement for representation in the town centre for a number of years.
“This opportunity, which is the only available and suitable one which meets our floorspace requirements in the town centre, continues the evolution of this exciting multi-channel format. Furthermore, the scheme with its accessibility and road network links allows us to penetrate the wider Staffordshire catchment. We have worked closely with LXB to deliver what we both believe will be the evolution of a shopping centre into a fully-fledged retail destination”.
Once open, the Debenhams store will stock its famous brands including H! by Henry Holland, Principles by Ben de Lisi, J by Jasper Conran, Star by Julien Macdonald alongside a beauty hall housing an extensive range of big brand names such as Lancôme, Estee Lauder, Clarins, Clinique and Benefit.
