£5 million development brings top brands to Chester

New retailers TK Maxx and Sports Direct will be opening in Chester’s Grosvenor Shopping Centre creating new jobs and boosting the city centre economy.

A £5 million development by centre owners, The Carlyle Group and Bride Hall, will see the transformation of Grosvenor Shopping Centre’s Paddock Row with the new tenants opening their doors in Spring 2015.

Local construction company Pochin will be carrying out the redevelopment works and will be employing 150people on site.

In the development site between Pepper Street and St. Michael’s Square, the existing mall and retail units will be reconfigured. A new store for TK Maxx will be created together with an entrance leading to a newly created retail space on the first floor for Sports Direct. Pepper Street and St. Michael’s Square sight lines and light levels will be dramatically enhanced by the creation of a new light well and double height shop fronts.

The 23,000 square feet TK Maxx unit will be a welcome addition to their international portfolio of stores. The retailer has been looking for a central location in the City for some time. It has signed a 15-year lease.

Sports Direct, the UK’s leading sports retailer will take a further 16,500 square feet unit under a 10-year lease. Sports Direct offers world-famous sporting brands alongside fashion and lifestyle ranges.

Bride Hall Director, Roger Gorham said: “We’re absolutely delighted that many months of negotiation with these two massive retailers have finally been concluded and that we can now announce this great news for Chester and for the Grosvenor Shopping Centre.

“To be able to welcome these brands at a time when there are still challenging trading conditions is fantastic news for Chester and a real boost to its credibility and profile.”

“This development will deliver more choice for visitors and residents alike and that’s great news. It will also bring the centre’s occupation level to over 90%,” he added.

With a large number of buses already stopping at the Pepper Street entrance, footfall levels will increase with the introduction of the two new retailers, benefiting not just the existing stores in the shopping centre, but also those throughout the city centre.

Tony Kay, owner at Kay the Jewellers located in the centre commented: “This development will undoubtedly further strengthen the city centre retail offer for shoppers. We’re really excited. The redesign is dynamic and refreshing and will help make the centre an even more enjoyable environment for visitors.

The news has also been welcomed by CEO of Marketing Cheshire, Katrina Michel: “A great vote of confidence in Chester as a shopping destination and great news for lovers of fashion and sport. Can’t wait to experience the two new stores!”

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