Retail scene thriving in Derby says property expert

intu Derby is celebrating its first anniversary in the city and the surrounding retail scene has received a boost since the operator’s arrival.

Vacant units at Crown Walk, leading into the Centre, have been snapped up by retailers looking to take advantage of the 25 million people that visit annually according to a retail property expert at Innes England.

Ben Taylor, head of retail agency at the firm, has seen improvements in vacancy around the centre.

He said: “In recent months, we have completed a number of lettings in Crown Walk, a covered parade forming one of the principal access routes into intu Derby, resulting in one remaining unit.

“Since taking on the former Westfield Centre, intu has given the centre a refresh and has attracted a number of new retailers and restaurants which has had a knock-on effect in areas such as Crown Walk where we have seen an increase in the number of enquiries from tenants. This is great news for Derby as it sees the retail mix in the city centre improving all the time.

“At Crown Walk, working with our joint agents at Barker Proudlove, we have   completed deals with Fulton Foods and Healthy Route as well as securing a lease renewal with Specsavers, who have almost doubled the size of their previous store.

“We have one remaining unit of 2,300 sq ft and would advise anyone who is considering locating in the city centre to get in contact.”