Landsec has submitted two major planning applications as part of its ongoing strategy to boost key retail sites. These applications represent the next steps in a targeted investment plan aimed at strengthening the selling points that dominate Landsec’s range.
At St David’s in Cardiff, Landsec plans to invest £17 million to transform a former Debenhams unit into a vibrant 102,000 sq m outdoor plaza, the equivalent of almost one and a half football pitches. The planned renovation will bring new life to this part of the center by creating opportunities for brands to succeed while improving access to nature and family-friendly play areas. The square will have two new terraced restaurants, smaller kiosk-style units for food and beverage brands, and a leisure space designed to meet the growing demand for quality leisure experiences in city centers. If approved, this project is expected to build on St David’s already impressive 30 million annual visitor numbers and increase local job opportunities.
The design of the square was influenced by more than 5,000 Cardiff residents and employees who participated in Landsec’s consultation process. The initiative reflects Landsec’s commitment to creating spaces that resonate with the community and respond to the changing needs of urban residents.
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In Leeds, Landsec plans to invest £15m in expanding its popular eatery concept, Trinity Kitchen. Originally opened in 2013, Trinity Kitchen revolutionized traditional food courts with its rotating food trucks and permanent dining locations, attracting more than 800,000 visitors annually. The expansion will transform the underutilized retail space into a 72,000 square meter multi-dimensional hospitality destination with a new outdoor terrace offering panoramic views of the city.
Commenting on this development, Nik Porter, Head of Retail Asset Management at Landsec, said: “These comments are the next step in our investment in key retail locations. Trinity Leeds and St David’s Cardiff both consistently outperform industry benchmarks for footfall and have over 94% occupancy. By enhancing the guest experience we increase the number of visitors and the length of stay, which in turn brings more brands to the centers and also strengthens the performance of the brands already in use.
“These new facilities create even more opportunities for both new and existing brands to benefit from the appeal of new food and beverage and leisure experiences, quality outdoor space and growing leisure demand.”
These latest planning applications are part of Landsec’s wider strategy to invest in prime retail locations. This follows the ongoing £45m transformation of Gunwharf Quays, which aims to strengthen its position as the UK’s leading lifestyle waterfront destination.