Landsec submits plans for further enhancements at Gunwharf Quays

Landsec has submitted its second planning application to Portsmouth City Council in its £45m investment programme at the waterside outlet destination Gunwharf Quays.

The latest plans follow Landsec’s first submission for improvement works to The Avenues, for which consent was granted in August. This next phase will focus on further enhancements to the destination to attract new guests and more return visits from the 6.4 million of people that visit Gunwharf Quays each year.

Phase two of the investment will focus on Marlborough Square, one of the main points of arrival at Gunwharf Quays, including enhancements to the entrance tunnel used by guests when arriving via Portsmouth Harbour train station, or from the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Plans feature improvements to the buildings’ aesthetics, shopfronts, public realm and landscaping, more seating and new facilities to encourage greater dwell time and "create more opportunities for brands to connect with their customers".

If approved, works to Marlborough Square are due to commence in summer 2024, with phase one works due to commence in early 2024.

Pablo Sueiras, Head of Retail Asset Management at Landsec commented: “This submission marks another milestone in our long-term investment in Gunwharf Quays. We’re focused on making improvements to every part of our guests’ experience so it becomes an even more compelling and unique all-day-out destination and provides a unique environment for our brand partners to flourish.

“These plans and our ongoing investments across our UK-wide destinations demonstrate just how much retail is a force for good. With our ongoing sustainability actions and our strengthened local partnerships, we can continue to create value for our brand partners, local communities and the environment.”

Alongside its planning application, Landsec will be kicking off a new programme of solar panel installation at Gunwharf Quays in 2024 to improve energy efficiency across its retail destinations while supporting its brand partners to achieve their sustainability targets. As well as boosting onsite renewable electricity, the carbon dioxide removed from the air as a result of the installation at Gunwharf Quays is the equivalent of planting 5,000 mature trees, and will generate enough energy to power 70 homes. Installation is due to start in Spring 2024.

Major fashion names at Gunwharf Quays include Boss, Castore, Champion, Armani, Belstaff, Adidas, French Connection and All Saints.