Tessuti heads to Merseyway

JD Sports brand Tessuti is set to open at Stockport’s Merseyway in time for Christmas after taking a 5,000 sq ft unit at the shopping centre.

The fashion retailer’s store is a more premium offering and will open for Christmas trading creating around 10 jobs. Other tenants, including Thorntons, EE, WH Smith, and TUi have also committed to lease renewals at the site, while the council said “discussions with other operators” were continuing.

Tessuti’s lease follows an announcement by Stockport Council of a major overhaul of the 300,000 sq ft shopping centre, which it bought out of administration in April last year.

While there have been a number of high-profile store closures since then, including BHS, Marks & Spencer, New Look, and Next, the council has set out a plan to revitalise the centre with a series of interventions.

This includes the redevelopment of the former Next block which forms a prominent part of the shopping centre. The council is proposing to split this unit into four, based on three secured pre-lets, and refurbish the building’s façade. This work is likely to commence once heads of terms are agreed with the tenants, who have not yet been named.

The council is also proposing to acquire the former BHS unit, having secured an option on the building with its owner. Further proposals for this building, including a potential refurbishment, are being worked up and are likely to return to cabinet for sign-off in the New Year.

Cllr Kate Butler, cabinet member for economy & regeneration at Stockport Council, said: “It’s great to see Tessuti opening a new store in Merseyway and I wish them every success for the future. Merseyway continues to be very popular attracting millions of visitors each and every year. Over the coming weeks we’ll be revealing more details about the first stages of our plans to redevelop Merseyway that will build on its success, and give even more reasons to visit Stockport town centre.”

CBRE and Barker Proudlove are joint agents for Merseyway.