John Lewis Birmingham opened its doors to customers as the anchor tenant of the new £750m redevelopment of the 500,000 sq ft Grand Central, which opened today.
The opening marks a £35m investment and is the retailer’s largest new shop in four years. At 250,000 sq ft, the regional flagship store is one of the largest John Lewis shops in the UK.
Grand Central has opened with 95% of the shopping centre already let. The centre was pitched at premium retailers and was positioned to complement the Selfridge’s anchored Bullring and the Harvey Nichols anchored Mailbox.
The Birmingham John Lewis store is to trial several of the retailer’s new concepts and services, including its first spa and health concept called &Beauty.
Andy Street, managing director, John Lewis, said: “Today sends a clear message that John Lewis is firmly committed to the British high street and that physical shops remain as important to us as they do to our customers.
“Birmingham is a city which we have wanted to be a part of for many years and the New Street station and Grand Central development offered us the perfect opportunity to make this a reality.”
Lisa Williams, head of branch, at John Lewis Birmingham, added: “Birmingham is a city that has always led the way, so it feels right that Birmingham is home to our most innovative shop to date. My team and I are looking forward to welcoming customers to what is a unique retail space.”
Cushman & Wakefield are development, leasing and investment advisers on Grand Central.
