The scheme, an extension of the original Octagon centre, has 100 shops in total, 63 of which are in the new build. Just 36 of the 63 shops will open this week, but Multiplex leasing director Tim Buckley revealed there are only six units left to let. He said the remainder of the stores were either being fitted out or are under negotiation. “By Easter, we expect the number of stores open and trading to be in the late forties,” he said.
In the older part of the scheme, there are three vacant units and some retailers are expected to relocate to the newer part. Bhs anchors the older part of the scheme.
The scheme has pulled in several high street fashion operators including Zara, Joy, H&M, Office, Gap, LK Bennett and Jane Norman. Next has also relocated from its previous nearby 4,000 sq ft (370 sq m) store to take a 22,000 sq ft (2,045 sq m) site at Eden.
Eden has also attracted HMV, Beaverbrooks and Build-A-Bear Workshop.
House of Fraser will open a 143,000 sq ft (13,285 sq m) store and Marks & Spencer has a 103,000 sq ft (9,570 sq m) shop. Marks & Spencer relocated from its nearby store in the town, which has been leased to value fashion retailer Primark.
Buckley said the development has been long sought after. “A lot more people will now understand what High Wycombe can provide. Before Eden there was no critical mass.”
He explained that, while High Wycombe has a catchment of 217,000 households, there has been a high level of leakage to surrounding centres such as the Oracle in Reading and The Chimes in Uxbridge. He said Eden can ensure the leakage is stymied.
Construction on the£130 million development started in October 2005. Letting agents on the scheme are Lunson Mitchenall and King Sturge.
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