Asset and development manager Sovereign Centros has signed three occupiers at the Metrocentre in Gateshead.
Harrods’ H Beauty concept, JD Sports and H&M have all signed new long leases for flagship stores, which will open between April and June next year.
H Beauty will take up 30,000 sq ft fronting Town Square on a 20-year lease. The store will include a champagne bar and brands such as Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana and Hourglass.
JD Sports has taken a 10-year lease on a 28,000 sq ft flagship store in Platinum Mall, upsizing from its existing 10,000 sq ft store in Upper Red Mall. The store will be created by combining four existing units currently occupied by Flannels, Game, HMV and Paperchase, all of which are relocating to new stores within the centre.
H&M is expanding its existing store in Red Mall to a new 25,000 sq ft flagship, which will incorporate the retailer’s Home concept. Existing occupier Hugo Boss will move into an adjacent store.
Graeme Jones, senior asset and development manager at Sovereign Centros, said: “These lettings really reinforce how retail in these powerful major regional centres is changing, replacing the hitherto reliance on the old department store formats as anchors with new and exciting concepts and brands which will be much more interactive for the shopper.
“These quality fashion brands are a major draw for our customers. There is a lot more to come over the coming months, with some other exciting lettings lined up.”
Lunson Mitchenall and Time Retail advised Metrocentre.
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