GCW Retail appointed at Lion Walk, Colchester

CBRE Global Investors and Universal-Investment, on behalf of German Pension Fund Bayerische Versorgungskammer (BVK), has appointed GCW Retail as leasing advisor at Lion Walk, Colchester.

Duncan Kite, Director at GCW comments, “We are already advising CBRE GI on three shopping centre projects in the South East – located in Epsom, Hammersmith and Fulham – and are delighted to add Colchester to this list.

“Lion Walk is already a prime fashion destination and has a well balanced portfolio of retailers, including Marks & Spencer, BHS, Boots, WH Smith, New Look, Topshop/Topman and River Island. Primark has recently opened a much larger 60,000 sq ft store and Fenwick has opened on the High Street. The town is forecast for above average population growth and we anticipate demand from retailers to remain strong.”

Catriona Hunter, Asset Management Director at CBRE GI comments: “Having worked with the team at GCW Retail on other projects, we feel they are well placed to advise on the next stage of Lion Walk’s evolution. The scheme is already well let, however we see further potential to improve the tenant mix and increase rents following the opening of Primark’s new store.”

Lion Walk comprises 205,000 sq ft and serves a strong, growing catchment population of more than 126,000 people and more than 4.5 million tourists a year. CBRE is joint letting agent.