Retail Property - Almost-full Chatham to host new Benetton fascia

The Dockside outlet mall at Chatham in Kent is now three-quarters occupied. And after a string of new lettings, more than 87 per cent of the floorspace is now spoken for.

Benetton has given the scheme a vote of confidence, taking four units.

Three will house the Benetton and Sisley brands, while the fourth will be used to trial the Playlife sportswear format in the UK.

Speciality Retail Group is taking a third unit to house its Autonomy womenswear format alongside its existing Young's Hire and Suits You branches. Other recent signings include Zuki Shoes, Bon Bleu and Daniel James Jewellers.

On the first floor, Sports Mania is taking a store. The centre's commercial director, Colin Wilding, said the first floor was attracting 90 per cent of the footfall seen on the ground floor, largely attracted by the centre's food court.