Intu Watford is ploughing £1m into a new grab-and-go food proposition as it ramps up its catering credentials.

The property landlord is creating a casual dining area, designed to attract families and office workers on the go. The area will feature five new food providers, with giant pods for large groups to sit together.

The new space will be located at the opposite end of the centre to last year’s £180m retail and leisure extension.

Work to transform the space will start next month.

Intu regional managing director Rebecca Ryman said: “Every area of the centre has been refurbished as part of our strategy to establish Intu Watford as a leading day and night out destination, and this is the latest phase in our plans to create an even better customer experience and more opportunities for the brands there to thrive.

“We wanted to complement the casual dining experience at Intu Watford’s new retail and leisure extension with an equally strong grab-and-go food offering at the other side of the centre that will capitalise on its 14 million a year footfall and the vast numbers of office workers in the town.”

Alongside the retail and catering units, Intu Watford has also expanded its leisure facilities by installing Rock Up – a soft play area for children and adults.

The new facilities form part of Intu’s ongoing drive to make its malls more experiential and drive footfall to its centres.