NEXT to upgrade to former Debenhams unit in Newcastle's Eldon Square
NEXT will upgrade is presence in Newcastle's Eldon Square retail and leisure destination later this year by moving into a former Debenhams unit, enabling it to introduce its new home and beauty department to shoppers in the area.
The new 61,000 sq ft department store style format is one of a number of expected new leasing deals for the scheme, which has just announced plans for a major enhancement to its leisure and entertainment offering.
Eldon Square Ltd and Newcastle City Council have revealed details of an enhanced Co-operation Agreement and "game-changing planning submissions", which will "accelerate and facilitate the delivery of a series of major new leasing deals, whilst offering significant benefits to the city centre".
Planned enhancements to Eldon Square
Among planned enhancements are an outdoor terrace with retractable roof, as well as indoor leisure and an indoor "music box". In addition to NEXT, LVMH-owned beauty retailer Sephora is also placing its faith in the scheme.
Since Sephora's retail re-introduction in the UK last year, the retailer has opened stores in Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City, and has plans to open in Manchester Trafford Centre and in a 6,600 sq ft unit in Eldon Square later this year.
NEXT first opened a clothing, home and beauty department store format site in Atria Watford last year (main image) marking the first time all of its departments were available under one roof.
Speaking of the planned opening in Eldon Square, NEXT's Jayne Pushon said: “We are very excited to be launching a new large format store in Newcastle and look forward to welcoming more customers to Eldon Square. We are delighted to be able to introduce customers to our new home and beauty department, where we will have staff on hand to talk more about our exciting product ranges in the new store.”
Eldon Square is already home to 140 retailers, including John Lewis & Partners, Fenwick, Apple, Boots and H&M, as well as 20 restaurants.
Pete Cooper, Director at Eldon Square Ltd, said of the signings: “With these deals, Eldon Square consolidates its position as a Premier League player in Newcastle city centre and our flourishing partnership with Newcastle City Council enables us to progress our ambitious growth plans at speed. We are accelerating the centre’s performance, whilst helping to widen the city centre’s leisure and entertainment offering.”
Cllr Nick Kemp, Leader of Newcastle City Council, added: "This exciting announcement shows just how attractive Newcastle is for global retailers. It is a vote of confidence in our city centre and a statement of intent by the retail industry.
"Not only will the opening of these stores attract more visitors to our city but it will create jobs and boost our economy. We will work with partners to create more opportunities in Newcastle, that help grow an inclusive economy to benefit every resident."
