Commercial property agents Cooke & Arkwright and Jackson Criss have announced multiple new lettings at Merlin’s Walk shopping centre in Carmarthen.
This includes a new 10-year lease to Specsavers, which joins local supplier and coffee house Steamin’ Mugs near to TK Maxx, Argos, Poundland and Pep & Co.
Further lettings made over the past 18 months include Cancer Research, the sandwich chain Subway and gift shop Hawkins Bazaar. In addition, and after many years of successful trading at the centre, leading games retailer GAME has now also agreed a new lease in a new unit.
Merlin’s Walk owner, NewRiver REIT plc, has worked over the past two years to attract a mix of occupiers into the centre, in order to position it as a vibrant mixed-use retail and leisure destination.
Independent commercial property specialist Cooke & Arkwright has been instructed by NewRiver REIT plc as letting agent.
Huw Thomas, Director in Cooke & Arkwright’s Retail & Leisure agency team, said: “Merlin’s Walk is now operating at full occupancy, serving some 60,000 shoppers in the town centre each week. The surge in lettings over the past 18 months demonstrates that there’s still a strong appetite for high street retail centres offering shoppers a diverse mix of products and services. Merlin’s Walk is performing strongly and contributing to creating a vibrant environment in the town.
“We know from our involvement with NewRiver REIT plc on its other ownerships across Wales that it adopts a proactive approach to asset management, continually looking to offer diverse identities and new directions.”
Charles Bevan-Barratt, Manager of Merlin’s Walk shopping centre, said: “The last few months have been incredibly exciting for Merlin’s Walk. It’s been fantastic to welcome Hawkins Bazaar, Specsavers and Subway into the centre, and to see the centre at full occupancy and home to a variety of well-known and independent retailers that meet the needs of our diverse customer base.
“The introduction of these shops has helped give the centre a new lease of life, which has been reflected in an increase in footfall over the last two months. We’ve had a fantastic response to the events we’ve been holding in the centre and are looking forward to the festive season with activities and pop-ups planned for the centre throughout the next few months.”