Hammerson and Hermes have revealed plans for a new restaurant quarter for Leicester as part of the £350m new Shires development in the city.
Twenty-two cafés and restaurants are planned by the developers who hope the cluster of eateries will become a new destination for eating and dining in the city centre.
The 65,000 sq ft restaurant quarter will be centred around two new public squares and is set to open in autumn 2008.
The main square will have a mix of casual high street chain eateries and will be complemented by a quieter ambience in the second courtyard-style square housing high end restaurants in restored historic buildings.
Sheila King, Hammerson’s director of UK Retail Leasing, said: “We’re already in discussions with Café Rouge, Gourmet Burger Kitchen, The Restaurant Group, and Wagamama, as well as Giraffe, Strada and Tootsies.
“However, we are looking to create a local flavour unique to the new Shires and are keen to establish an even representation of local independent operators within the scheme.”
Leicester currently offers a limited choice of restaurants which are scattered across the city. The new quarter will form an extension to the Shires which will comprise over 1m sq ft of retail space anchored by John Lewis.
Joint letting agents are Cushman & Wakefield Healey & Baker and Donaldsons.
References: EGi News 27/06/06
