Savills appointed to run Houndshill

Following its recent purchase of Houndshill Shopping Centre, the joint venture between Catalyst Capital and Blackstone has appointed Savills to manage the retail scheme.

Anchored by a new 100,000 sq ft Debenhams, the centre totals 300,000 sq ft and features national and international retailers including Next, Disney Store, River Island, H&M Hennes and Primark.

The scheme, next to Blackpool Tower, also features the main town centre multi-storey car park for Blackpool with 750 spaces.

David Fox, management director at Savills, said: "Houndshill has established itself as a prime shopping destination in Blackpool and we are very pleased to be appointed on this high profile scheme."

Houndshill was redeveloped and expanded by Modus and was taken back by Anglo Irish Bank after Modus collapsed in the recession. Anglo Irish suffered substantial losses on its £140m loan to Modus when it sold to Blackstone and Catalyst Capital for £85m in December 2011.

Anglo Irish employed Centros to manage the centre.