Costa Coffee signs up to Yate Shopping Centre

Costa Coffee has signed a lease to take a ground floor unit immediately adjacent to Superdrug in the new East Walk development at Yate Shopping Centre.

They will join Sports Direct and Marks & Spencer in the new units with the final occupant still to be confirmed but most likely to be a leading fashion retailer.

Centre Manager, Andrew Lowrey, said: “This is yet another great name for the Centre. We have recently received planning permission for new public toilets in West Walk and the existing facilities will be demolished prior to commencing the build of the new East Walk units in late summer 2012.

“We are already noticing the effects of the recent arrivals to the Centre.  Following the openings of 99p, Poundland, and JD Wetherspoon we have seen an average footfall increase of 27% year-on-year over the last four weeks with Poundland & 99p attracting 20,000 customers per week against just 2,500 attracted previously by BeWise & Peacocks. JD Wetherspoon has proved to be very popular with our customers and we are also seeing new customers visiting Yate Shopping Centre".

“Importantly this increased footfall is in the heart of the Centre which is generally healthy with strong demand from national retailers. Our vacancy rates are below national averages despite difficult retail trading conditions evidenced by the disappearance of some well known brands over the last few months.”

Andy recently won runner-up in the industry recognised national Sceptre Awards for Shopping Centre Manager of the Year 2012 (Medium Centre), a reflection of his success in managing the Shopping Centre through difficult times.

He continued: “The total investment in Yate Shopping Centre over the last two years including the new retail units in East Walk will be in excess of £30 million – virtually unheard off during times of recession. When the owners – Dominion Corporate Trustees – took over the Centre they said they wanted to see more high street national names as part of the portfolio and better facilities for shoppers.

“These changes are slowly happening and shoppers are noticing the improvements. One request we frequently get asked is for motorcycle stands. Unknown to many there are some in the car park and we are ensuring they are adequately signposted.

“The Award was all about how we relate to our occupiers, customers and the community. The footfall proves we are doing something right and with the new additional shops further new customers will be attracted to the centre".

Yate Shopping Centre will again be supporting the community through Yate in Bloom this year and has several school holiday community days lined up:

• On Sunday 8^thJuly children will be able to meet old favourite Fireman Sam at 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm under the events canopy
• 21^stJuly: Teddy Bears Picnic returns between 12pm – 3.00pm in North Walk where free packed lunches will be served. Activities will include enchanting stories from our Bella the Story Teller,  face painting by the lovely ladies of Fizogg; a bouncy castle; and you can meet and greet our Forever Friends Bear
• On 23^rdJuly the Centre’s events canopy will be transformed into a traditional beach with over 60 tonnes of glorious golden sand. Buckets, spades and deck chairs will be available along with various workshops including, sand castle sculpturing, treasure hunt, Punch and Judy show and a beach craft day. The beach will be open Monday – Saturday 9.00 – 4.30 and Sunday 10am – 4pm.