Off Topic Hull's Princes Quay set for multi-million-pound 'outlet' shopping revamp

PRINCES Quay Shopping Centre is set to get a multi-million pound revamp, with dozens of designer fashion and retail stores expected to move in.

The city centre precinct, which has seen key tenants gradually drift away since the opening of rival St Stephen's in 2007, is aiming to transform its second floor into an "outlet mall".

The biggest change to Princes Quay in decades would also see its ground floor food court transformed into a piazza-style dining area.

Talks are thought to be under way with several major restaurant chains.

The transformation is being driven by property owner Jadwa Investment, a Saudi Arabian bank.

Centre manager Claire Suggitt said: "The concept they're introducing has never been done before. The investment is huge.

"The outlet scenario they're putting together is going to provide a unique shopping experience, offering
good-quality, high-end brands at affordable prices.

"We're in talks with high-end brands and it's too early to say who. It's very, very close."

Jadwa's push to turn around Princes Quay's fortunes has seen it team up with Seven Dials Fund Management, an investment consultancy with experience in strategic planning
at world- famous shopping centres including Covent Garden, London.manager Realm has been appointed to work on Princes Quay and will be carrying out a feasibility study on the changes.

It will be working with Hull City Council, which is set to build a 3,500-seat concert venue and hotel next door.

Ms Suggitt said there would be a strong focus on attracting new retailers to Hull.

She said: "They're looking at brands that aren't already within the city and bringing big-name brands back, which were here before but left.

"They see the need to create vibrancy and appeal for visitors and families to come.

"There will be a lot of high-end retail outlets. We're looking at the profile not just of Princes Quay but of the city."

The latest development follows moves by the centre to position itself as an entertainment venue.

It has had a ten-screen Vue Cinema on its top floor since 2007 and earlier this year opened a £1.6m bowling alley and laser tag arena.

Despite the investment – which Ms Suggitt said had contributed to a footfall increase at the 30,000sq ft centre – Princes Quay was dealt a fresh blow last month. It was revealed some of the precinct's Arcadia stores were threatening not to renew their leases.

Brands that could be affected include Topshop, Dorothy Perkins, Miss Selfridge, Wallis and Evans. Up to 40 jobs could be at risk because of the move.

Ms Suggitt said the latest announcement was a crucial shot in the arm.

She compared the new concept with the Xscape designer outlet in Castleford, where top brands sit alongside a surf simulator and crazy golf.

The manager said an open forum would be held in the next few weeks to give families more details.

She said: "It will be a unique concept that's not been in town before."

Kathryn Shillito, city centre manager at support group Hull Business Improvement
District, said the proposals were part of a wider drive to transform Hull's Old Town. She said visitor numbers were already starting to rise in the area.

Ms Shillito said: "Footfall has increased and businesses are really doing their damnedest to attract customers."

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This is exactly what they should be doing.

 

They only have to sell it to retailers as a discount outlet, they don't actually have to redevelop the site at all, it should be fairly easy, as long as they don't over-price it..

 

No, just things I think people will find interesting.

You should try it.