M&G Real Estate signs River Island for Maidstone Shopping Centre

M&G Real Estate has signed River Island, one of the UK’s leading high street fashion brands, for Fremlin Walk shopping centre in Maidstone.

River Island will be relocating from Week Street to take a new, larger anchor store within Fremlin Walk of approximately 13,000 sq ft on a new 10 year lease. River Island has over 350 stores worldwide and will occupy the new store at Fremlin Walk to grow its presence in one of the South East’s most popular fashion hubs.

The deal follows a successful year for new owners M&G Real Estate who purchased the shopping centre in late 2014. Other recent lettings include Quiz and Smiggle.

Anchored by a 100,000 sq ft House of Fraser, Fremlin Walk comprises 350,000 sq ft of retail and restaurants in an open air, single level scheme. River Island joins the existing line-up of over 50 retailers and dining operators including Superdry, Zara, Topshop, H&M, Schuh, Bill’s, Patisserie Valerie and Pret a Manger, further enhancing Fremlin Walk’s reputation as one of the region’s leading shopping and leisure destinations.

Scott Linard, Director – Asset Management, M&G Real Estate commented: “River Island joins Fremlin Walk at a time of competitive retailer interest in the shopping centre. Our first year of ownership was a very successful one with many new national brands arriving at the centre to improve our already very strong line-up of shops and eateries at Fremlin Walk and give our customers more reason to return time and time again.”

The letting agents for M&G Real Estate at Fremlin Walk are GCW and Cushman & Wakefield. Harper Dennis Hobbs acted for River Island.