Buoyed by the success of its Waterfront development at Brighton Marina, developer Parkridge is planning a further phase of development that could bring its outlet retailing capacity up to 140,000 sq ft (13,000 sq m).
A planning application is about to be made to completely remodel the existing Merchants Quay outlet village. The masterplan, by architects CZWG and Michael Hopkins, envisages narrowing and enclosing the malls as well as some infill development, creating another 50,000 sq ft to 60,000 sq ft (4,650 sq m to 5,575 sq m) of retail space.
Parkridge managing director Philip O'Callaghan said: 'The 140,000 sq ft of outlet retailing would give us the critical mass to reach beyond our existing core catchment of 400,000.'
He added that the masterplan has already been adopted as supplementary planning guidance, which means construction could begin on-site before the end of next year, implying a completion date during 2005.
The Waterfront phase provided 18 new outlet units, and 16 are now trading, with brands including Mexx, Proibito, Tog 24, Designer Room, Daniel James Jewellers, Virgin Cosmetics and Pilot, beneath a 70-bedroom Seattle hotel and a range of bars and restaurants.
A 7,000 sq ft (650 sq m) double unit remains available, but O'Callaghan said talks with a potential tenant are at an advanced stage.
No comments yet