NEWS
Marks & Spencers Anchors Eagles Meadow
Thu, 24 May 2007
Marks and Spencer are making plans to more than double the size of their existing store in Wrexham.
The high street retailer has this week, signed a deal with developers Wilson Bowden for a 55,000sq ft store to anchor the new Eagles Meadow development due to open September 2008.
Head of acquisitions for Marks & Spencer Helen Nash said: “Increasing the size of our store in Wrexham has been a part of our growth strategy for some time and Eagles Meadow has provided us with the perfect opportunity. Wrexham has a very strong trading performance and this deal will allow us to increase our retail offer to Wrexham’s catchment”.
The signing of Marks and Spencer represents a second anchor store for this 400,000 sq ft development, developed in partnership with Wrexham County Borough Council. Paul Roberts, Strategic Director for the council commented;
“The Council is delighted that Marks and Spencer has announced that it will be extending its current store and relocating to the Eagles Meadow development. Eagle’s Meadow is a landmark scheme for Wrexham and it is very pleasing to be able to confirm yet another prestigious store will be taking space which will further enhance Wrexham’s reputation as a retail centre of regional importance.”
Earlier this year Wilson Bowden announced the signing of Debenhams to a 90,000 sq ft department store.
“Following this latest release we are delighted to have secured two of the strongest high street retailers as anchor stores for Eagles Meadow”, said Will Robinson Retail Director for Wilson Bowden Developments “To gain a commitment from both retailers at this early stage of development is quite an achievement and highlights the potential of the development.”
Lead Member for Economic Prosperity, Asset Management and Culture, Cllr Bob Dutton OBE added: “We are very pleased that Marks and Spencer are expanding their operations in Wrexham and have demonstrated that they know a great opportunity when they see it. The rapidly expanding retail base in Wrexham will not be lost on the real estate sector in the country at large and we expect significantly more interest from developers and retailers to pursue opportunities here as Wrexham continues to grow as a major centre for Wales and the North-West of the UK.”
Tenpin have also signed a deal for a 24 lane bowling alley and Wilson Bowden have agreed terms on a further 95,000 sq ft of space within Eagles Meadow.
Jones Lang LaSalle and Cushman & Wakefield are letting agents for the development.