British Land to launch wi-fi across its shopping centres

The property developer, which owns developments including Meadowhall in Sheffield and Glasgow Fort retail park, is also working with BT to “find a solution to deliver a robust wi-fi offering at a number of its open air shopping parks”.

British Land head of retail Charles Maudsley said: “Digital is an essential and growing part of the shopping experience.  We believe that integrating technological advances is fundamental in a modern retailing environment to meet consumer expectation and to help retailers to maximise their sales potential.

“We continue to evolve our portfolio so that we remain a partner of choice today and tomorrow; working closely with retailers to deliver the right space in the right location, developing our assets to deliver an enjoyable retail experience as well as devising ways to enhance retailer and consumer relationships within our centres.”

Land Securities last year became the first shopping centre owner to offer free wi-fi across all its centers.

British Land said its deal with BT will “allow new innovations and trials such as Google Indoor Maps and Centre Buzz to help British Land to continue to evolve the portfolio and deliver exciting and convenient retail destinations”.

British Land has planned a phased roll out programme from autumn 2013.