Led by Global Mutual with leading agents Lunson Mitchenall and Brasier Freeth, the atria Watford team are putting the final touches to the successful reletting of the two anchor units as well as securing multiple new tenants across 371,000sq ft of space over the last two years.
The much-loved fashion and home retailer, NEXT, significantly upsized, creating a new concept store in the c. 100,000sq ft former Debenhams unit. The store was the first in the UK to combine the brand’s beauty hall, home and fashion under one roof. Meanwhile, the former John Lewis has been divided and leased to multiple tenants including Dunelm (33,000 sq ft), marking its first shopping centre location, and Poundland (14,500sq ft). Further new brands are to be announced soon, including a family leisure concept.
The 30,000sq ft former NEXT unit has been relet to Watford-based TK Maxx, satisfying a long-standing requirement for in-town representation in the brand’s hometown. The outstanding transformation of the anchor stores at Atria Watford does not stop there – several important upsizes are progressing for existing occupiers – including ZARA expanding its presence from 18,000 sq ft to 43,000 sq ft and JD Sports tripling the size of its unit to a total 19,000sq ft. Watches of Switzerland is also expanding its representation and additional new lettings have been completed with the likes of Rituals, Moss, Pro Cook and F. Hinds.
Hayley Gisborne, director at Lunson Mitchenall, said: “It is quite amazing the transformation that has occurred in Watford over the last two years, the team have worked tirelessly to re-invent the offer and re-establish atria Watford as the region’s leading mixed used destination. It is a great example of our creative approach to optimising commercial real estate and right sizing and retrofitting retail space to meet current and future consumer and occupier demand. These exciting new lettings will add significantly to the current tenant mix, but we are not finished yet and are looking forward to revealing more new names in 2024.”
Steve Gray, head of European retail asset management at Global Mutual, said: “We are delighted with the progress made at atria Watford, which not only reinforces our commitment to delivering exceptional results and customer experience, but also reflects the depth of expertise and industry knowledge within our broader client team.”
Atria Watford is Hertfordshire’s top shopping destination covering 1.4 million sq ft, with over 140 shops, restaurants and leisure attractions. It boasts an exceptional range of top brands including Apple, ZARA, NEXT, Uniqlo, Mango, Cineworld, Puttshack, Rock Up & Hollywood Bowl. The centre has fantastic travel links, situated in close proximity to the M1, M25 and the A41 as well as being easily accessible by tube, train and bus.
