Wagamama lands unit at Preston’s £46m Animate
The Japanese restaurant chain will occupy a 4,125 sq ft unit at the Preston City Council-owned leisure scheme, which was delivered by Maple Grove Developments and opened in February.
Wagamama has signed a 15-year lease for the unit that slots between Taco Bell and the Mad Giant Food Hall.
Retail and leisure property specialists Bradys and Smith Young were the joint agents for the scheme. Work on the fit-out will begin imminently, with customers set to arrive by early summer.
As a result of the move, Animate now has only one 10,270 sq ft unit of the site’s 100,000 sq ft of retail space remaining to let on the upper level of the building. This remaining space is being targeted for competitive social occupiers and gym operators.
The unit had been courted by the Latin American-themed Las Iguanas brand before the firm pulled out and Wagamama stepped in to replace it.
Wagamama will be open seven days a week and provide 55 jobs for Prestonians.
Cllr Valerie Wise, cabinet member for community wealth building at Preston City Council, said that Animate has “proven to be an in-demand venue” and Wagamama’s arrival is a “significant vote of confidence” in the leisure destination.
She added: “It will prove to be a popular restaurant, stimulating additional footfall in the Harris Quarter, catalysing further investment, and boosting our local economy, central to our community wealth building model.”
The lease marks Wagamama’s 167th restaurant in the UK and Ireland, and its 59th in the North. Credit: via Inform Comms
John Brady, partner at Bradys, said: “Securing Wagamama is a strong endorsement of Preston’s growing appeal as a vibrant retail and leisure destination.
“The brand brings with it a loyal following and a reputation for quality, which will not only further enhance the visitor experience but also support the wider regeneration of the area by driving increased footfall.”
Preston’s £46m Animate leisure project hosts commercial offers ranging from eateries to a bowling alley and an ARC Cinema.
Eric Wright Construction began work at the site in January 2023, and completion was reached on schedule.
Other tenants at Animate include Ask Italian, Argento Lounge, and Zizzi.
