The Liberty Romford, the shopping centre owned and operated by Redical, has announced the opening of globally renowned sandwich chain, Pret A Manger, and independent coffee pioneer, Black Sheep Coffee, reaffirming the positive advancements and market momentum the destination is experiencing following its strategic transformation and elevation.
Marking London borough debuts for the two operators and adding strength to the centre’s existing lineup of F&B tenants, Pret A Manager and Black Sheep Coffee join a portfolio of international, best of British, and independent operators at The Liberty Romford. Located in a prominent corner unit between Stewards Walk and Lockwood Walk, the new Pret A Manager measures 4,100 sq ft, whilst the new Black Sheep Coffee measures 3,300 sq ft and overlooks the heart of the destination, Liberty Square. Both operators will benefit from The Liberty Romford’s strong annual footfall of 13.6 million and high dwell time, which exceeds comparable shopping centre benchmarks by 21%.
Both operators will benefit from The Liberty Romford’s position as the number one London satellite shopping centre out of thirteen for retail spend opportunity, amounting to £247 million. The centre also has a strong annual footfall of 13.6 million and high dwell time, which exceeds comparable shopping centre benchmarks by 21%.
Oliver Lloyd, Leasing Director at The Liberty Romford commented “ As the number one satellite shopping centre in London and dominant scheme in Romford, it makes complete sense that market-leaders Pret A Manager and Black Sheep Coffee have chosen to open with us. Under the centre’s new Redical ownership and leadership, we’re starting to unlock the full commercial potential of the destination and are actively looking to develop and enhance the centre’s F&B offering, catering to our highly engaged catchment. Pret A Manager and Black Sheep Coffee are two best-in-class brands, which have jumpstarted The Liberty Romford’s F&B elevation.”
The Liberty Romford’s evolution was kickstarted in 2022 after its purchase and significant investment by industry disruptors, Redical. Following the implementation of its multi-year centre improvement budget of £7 million, the destination has already welcomed noteworthy placemaking enhancements, with frictionless car parking, CCTV and cleaning upgrades and a new centre management suite. A new brand identity and destination refresh is soon to be revealed on the new entranceways and wayfinding signage, signifying to the market the active step change at the destination.
