Harris reports shopping centre contracts
Manchester-based architects The Harris Partnership is currently involved in the refurbishment of out of town retail parks and shopping centres across the UK.
Within the North West region, the architect practice is working with Land Securities on its Blackpool Retail Park, however, plans have not yet been put into action, although the aim is to improve the retail offering in Blackpool.
In addition, new build and extension schemes also include over 60,000 sq ft at The Capitol Centre in Walton-Le-Dale, near Preston. This is an ongoing refurbishment project for Royal London Asset Management, with the latest phase including a new Tescoplus home store and a TK Maxx, which opened recently. Further development is planned with The Harris Parnership.
The Harris Partnership has provided refurbishment designs for British Land's 260,000 sq ft Elk Mill in Oldham, which is having several of its retail units enhanced with new facades.
Ben Battye, director of The Harris Partnership, said: "The owners of retail parks are increasingly employing a strategy of modernisation and refurbishment to attract new occupiers and drive greater footfall for existing tenants. It is anticipated that this will ultimately allow the funds to secure healthier rents in this competitive retail climate."
The practice has also secured refurbishment projects on shopping centres in Rotherham, Hull, Kings Lynn, Reading, Plymouth, Birmingham and Scarborough.
The Harris Partnership has been appointed by a number of international property funds such as Aegon, RLAM, Hammerson's and UBS Global Asset Management, to design, gain planning, and implement extensive refurbishment of existing sites across the country.