Footwear retailer Office and young fashion chain Republic have taken stores at Romford’s The Liberty Centre.

Office has taken a 3,100 sq ft space - it’s first store in the town - at the 110-unit centre, which is owned by Cosgrave Property Group. Republic has signed up to 8,500 sq ft and Clinton Cards is also relocating to a new 3,900 sq ft unit further along the mall.  

Enda Fahy, director of Cosgrave, said: “The Liberty has always enjoyed a loyal shopper base who want both variety and relatively travel-free doorstep convenience.

“In the longer term, we are anticipating further increased uplift for the centre and the town not only with the population increase in the London Borough of Havering but with the arrival of Crossrail in the next few years.”

The Liberty Centre is anchored by Marks & Spencer, Primark and Debenhams. H&M, Next, River Island, Monsoon and TopShop are among its other tenants.

Nick Symons , partner at MMX Retail, which is a joint leasing agent on the scheme, said: “The arrival of new brands Republic & Office, coupled with the relocation of Clintons for their new format store is testament to the continued strength of The Liberty Centre and Romford in general.

“The East London retail hierarchy has seen significant changes in the past 12 months , but with weekly footfall still well in excess of 400,000 shoppers The Liberty has demonstrated it satisfies a very strong and loyal catchment.

“Our plans for the next stage of redevelopment opposite Debenhams is now a key focus to continue driving the scheme forward.”

MMX Retail and CBRE acted on behalf of The Liberty. Savills acted for Republic and also for Clinton Cards. CBRE also acted for Office.