Basingstoke‘s 1.1 million sq ft shopping centre Festival Place has signed four new retailers as its footfall figures soar.
The centre, which was bought by AEW in 2015, has seen footfall grow 1.2 per cent to 22.4 million in the past year.
Its boost in popularity has driven swathes of new brands to join the 200 stores already trading at the site, seeing 24 new stores since January 2016.
In the latest string of signings, Swarovski will take on a 1300sq ft unit alongside jewellery newcomer Lovisa, which will take a 775sq ft store.
Elsewhere womenswear retailer Apricot has signed on for a 5000sq ft unit and candle specialist Yankee Candle will move into a 1800sq ft store.
“We‘re proud of the quality and variety of these new signings which will further help to strengthen Festival Place‘s position as a prime regional shopping and leisure destination,” AEW head of private equity funds Russell Jewell said.
“The rejuvenated centre will consolidate and improve the offer for the local community and attract visitors from the wider Hampshire catchment area.
“The expansion of leisure will further increase the centre‘s appeal to families as well as increase the dwell time. Works are progressing well and we are redefining customer experience as we continue to roll out the centre‘s new branding and positioning.”
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