Christmas footfall up 7% at Arndale

Footfall during the last five weeks of 2008 was up 7% at the Manchester shopping centre compared to the same period in 2007.

The 240-store centre is managed by Prupim on behalf of owners Prudential and Capital Shopping Centres. Prupim said 35 million people visited the centre during 2008, up from 31 million the year before. Sales increased by 8% in December against the same period in 2007.

Arndale has flourished since it underwent a £150m redevelopment, completed three years ago, which added 300,000 sq ft to the northern section, anchored by a 150,000 sq ft Next.

Andrew Foulds, director of asset management at Prupim, said: "Manchester Arndale is continuing to demonstrate that its success story is no flash in the pan and despite the economic downturn, retailers in the centre are benefiting from footfall figures and increasing sales. Major retailers are inquiring about opening new units because of the centre's performance."

Tushingham Moore, CB Richard Ellis and Lunson Mitchenall are joint letting agents.