Work begins on New Mersey Shopping Park’s £23m leisure extension

Property firms British Land and Hercules Unit Trust (HUT) have started construction of their multi-million pound leisure scheme in Speke, Liverpool.

The £23m extension of New Mersey Shopping Park will create up to 300 full- and part-time jobs once complete, in addition to 100 jobs during the build phase.

The 66,000 sq ft project includes an 11-screen cinema to be run by Cineworld and 29,000 sq ft of dining space across six units, with pre-lets already secured with restaurant chains TGI Fridays (7,000 sq ft), Wagamama (3,500 sq ft) and Nando’s (4,700 sq ft).

According to British Land, discussions are now underway for the remaining three units.

The development’s restaurants will open in Spring 2018 and the cinema in Summer 2018.

James Varley, asset manager at British Land, said: “The New Mersey leisure extension will significantly improve the centre’s leisure and dining options, enhancing our customers’ experience and creating Places People Prefer.

“Across our retail portfolio, we are investing to create outstanding places that are in line with people’s changing lifestyles.”

Cineworld property director Kevin Frost commented: “Cineworld is thrilled to be opening a brand new 11 screen cinema at New Mersey with our state-of-the-art Superscreen projection and sound technology.

“The new extension will undoubtedly enhance the appeal of New Mersey as a regional leisure, dining and retail destination.”

British Land, which will see the amount of food and drink across its retail portfolio double during the next five years, is represented by consultants Wilkinson Williams and Cushman & Wakefield.

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →