Hammerson and Aberdeen Standard Investments, joint owners of Brent Cross, have signed a new agreement for lease with John Lewis to transform its department store as part of the £1.4bn Brent Cross redevelopment and refurbishment in North London.
Having been present in Brent Cross since the centre opened in 1976 – the first ‘US style mall in the UK’ – the department store will undergo a full refurbishment as part of the plans and Brent Cross will remain open as usual throughout the development programme.
The new store will include an enhanced retail layout to create a more contemporary shopping experience for customers and showcase its latest shop design. It will benefit from direct access to a brand new 1,450 space car park, which will also support the brand’s growing click and collect offer.
This latest milestone underpins Hammerson and Aberdeen Standard Investments’ plans to transform Brent Cross by doubling the size of the existing centre to 2 million sq ft of retail and leisure space. This will include up to 150 new retail stores and 50 new restaurants, state of the art leisure and cinema offer, hotel accommodation and improved public spaces including a new town square.
Last month, it was also announced that Brent Cross has secured National Amusements’ luxury cinema brand, Showcase Cinema de Lux, to anchor the new leisure offer, to complement the impressive retail offer anchored by John Lewis. Brent Cross is set to be the cinema’s first location in London and is the first leisure brand to be announced.
Robin Dobson, Director Retail Development at Hammerson, commented: “John Lewis has been at Brent Cross for over 40 years and with this new agreement we look forward to the next 40 years as we double the size of this iconic London landmark.
'Shoppers are more discerning than ever when it comes to product choice, service and the full brand experience, and we’re pleased to be able to support John Lewis at Brent Cross where we are on track to deliver a next generation experience for London and beyond.”
James Stevens, Head of UK Development at Aberdeen Standard Investments, commented, “The combined attractions of John Lewis and Brent Cross have set customer service standards for four decades already. The impending investment and major transformation of both will deliver a whole new sense of excitement and continue to surpass visitors’ expectations.”
Tim Harrison, Director, Store Design and Development, John Lewis said, “We’re delighted to have signed a new lease with Hammerson and Aberdeen Standard Investments and are excited to be embarking on a full refurbishment of our Brent Cross shop. Our plans will allow us to showcase our latest thinking in shop design, creating a more modern space for shoppers with customer experience at its heart.”
Brent Cross currently employs 2,300 people and supports £47m of wages per year as part of its positive socio-economic contribution to the local area. Through plans to extend and revitalise the centre, wages and jobs are expected to double upon completion.