Landsec has unveiled a transformation of its retail operating model, which it said represented a “signal of confidence in its continued investment” in stores.

Bluewater

Landsec, which co-owns Bluewater shopping centre in Kent, is moving its store operations inhouse

The institutional landlord said the new operational model will see it “insource responsibility for its operations and supplier management.” This will now be led by an inhouse team, which includes some newly created roles.

Landsec said that it will “work directly with specialist facilities management partners across hard and soft services, and landscaping.”

The new model will take advantage of data and digital insights from across its operations and the central team will ensure a “more unified approach to providing the best guest experience.”

As of November 2023, Landsec said its destinations experienced a 6.9% jump in footfall year on year, compared with the 5% UK average.

Bruce Findlay, retail managing director at Landsec, said: “As we continue to deliver our strategy, this change presents a clear milestone for our business in becoming increasingly operational.

“The delivery of best-in-class operations provides the backbone of our locations and will differentiate a Landsec-managed destination from others within our sector.

“Bringing more responsibility for the day-to-day running of our places means we can make sure every experience that’s created helps us attract guests from far and wide, and in turn, ensure the best brands choose us as part of their plans.”