Five retail deals – two in Swansea, two in Leicester and one in Worcester – has seen property specialists Barberry let a total of 12,700 sq ft with a combined rent in excess of £200,000.
Barberry director Henry Bellfield said: “Over the past few years, we have let more than 80,000 sq ft in Swansea to quality occupiers and these latest deals demonstrate that out-of-town retail centres, along with High Street units, are attractive to occupiers so long as you have the right location, good quality accommodation and a sensible rent.”
Over 90% of Barberry’s lettings have been to well-known national retailers. At Phoenix Retail Park in Swansea, Dreams Plc has taken a 10-year lease on a 5,900 sq ft unit. The store, which will pay a rent of £88,500 per annum, is due to open in early spring.
Since acquiring the retail park in 2008, Barberry has carried out comprehensive refurbishment including replacing external cladding, installing high quality shop fronts and canopies with better access and a new car park layout. The improvements have repositioning the Retail Park and established a thriving, high footfall, retail environment.
This latest letting leaves just one unit of 12,000 sq ft vacant at the site, which has already attracted a number of well-known brands, such as Home Bargains, Iceland and B&M.
At Swansea’s Lion Way Retail Park, Floors4you has taken a 10-year lease on a 3,300 sq ft unit. Agents Fletcher Morgan and Morgan Williams acted on behalf of Barberry for both the Swansea deals.
In Leicester, two lettings at 40-50 High Street means the 16,500 sq ft building is now fully occupied.
Coffee Republic signed a 10-year lease for its 1,500 sq ft unit, while Kono Pizza has taken a 15-year lease on 1,000 sq ft.
Henry said: “These two retailers have improved the leisure offer in Leicester city centre. The High Street continues to evolve and adapt and increasingly consumers are looking to the city centres for a shopping and leisure ‘experience’. ”
Elsewhere, in Worcester, Sense charity has taken a 10-year lease on a 1,000 sq ft retail unit in Mealcheapen Street. The shop, which is located on a main thoroughfare leading to the high street, will pay £27,000 per annum rent.
