Lincoln Repurposing Project

Acting on behalf of Patrizia, AS Retail are acting jointly with Colliers International in the re-purposing of the House of Fraser store on High Street in Lincoln.

The store sits on the northern end of High Street and totals approx. 70,000 sq ft in it’s existing configuration but planning permission has now been received to demolish the building to create a new 150 room 4* hotel for Radisson along with a restaurant, leisure and courtyard space along with 8,000 sq ft of Ground Floor commercial space which AS Retail and Colliers are instructed to lease.

More information on the project can be found here:  https://thelincolnite.co.uk/2020/05/plans-to-turn-tired-house-of-fraser-into-hotel-approved

Andrew Shepherd who is leading on the instruction commented ‘This exciting project will reinvigorate Lincoln High Street and is a super example of the re-purposing of obsolete retail buildings that is required in many of our town and city centres. The building design is exceptional and the commercial space fronting High Street will comprise optimum footprints with flexibility in the ultimate size of units so we can cater to occupier requirements.’

Please contact us to discuss your requirements for the commercial space in Lincoln or to chat through any similar situations where we may be able to assist.

 

Traid opens in Lewisham

AS Retail are delighted to announce that our clients Traid have opened their 12th showroom, located in the heart of Lewisham, London.

The store was formally occupied by Poundland and sits directly opposite the main entrance to The Lewisham Centre on the corner of Lewis Grove. Totalling approximately 4,000 sq ft over Ground Floor the store was acquired on a 15 year lease. The fit out had been completed just before lockdown started and we’re pleased to see it now open and trading.

Traid are an award winning charity showcasing pre-loved, vintage and designer clothing with fantastic stores dotted around Greater London including Camden, Clapham, Dalston, Westbourne Grove, Brixton and Peckham.

Andrew Shepherd, Director at AS Retail who conducted the negotiations on behalf of Traid commented ‘we are ecstatic to have secured this superb property on behalf of our clients Traid which satisfies a long-standing requirement for our clients in Lewisham.’

AS Retail are retained by Traid to secure further properties and we are actively seeking sites with a trading space of between 2,000 – 3,000 sq ft in Greater London with a specific interest in locations such as Walworth Road and Walthamstow.

Enfield opening

AS Retail are excited to announce the opening of the new Cards Direct store in Enfield. Situated in Palace Exchange, adjacent to JD and Clarks, being the former Paperchase, the fit out was completed just before lockdown and the store has now fully opened for trade.

Totalling approx. 1,900 sq ft Ground Floor sales plus storage this will be their 34th shop and satisfies a long term requirement for Enfield.

Cards Direct are still actively looking for new stores in Greater London, South East England and the Midlands for 2020 and 2021 opening. Please contact Andrew Shepherd or Ellie Oldershaw at AS Retail to discuss any opportunities.

The Brain Tumour Charity

Sadly this year, due to obvious reasons, AS Retail are unable to host the Shop Agents Society (SAS) 1st Friday Drinks which would have been held on Friday 3rd July.

Instead we will be donating our First Friday beer fund to the chosen SAS charity partner, The Brain Tumour Charity.

They are the world’s leading brain tumour charity and the largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours worldwide. The Brain Tumour Charity has helped SAS members and their families in the recent past and undertake outstanding work in the field, being voted Charity of the Year in 2018 for their pioneering approach, innovative research solutions and their community centred approach to all they do. They are set on finding new treatments, offering the highest level of support and driving urgent change whilst also being committed to improving life for everyone affected and to defending this most incredible part of the human body.

Please do visit their website at https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/ for more information on their activities and please follow this link – https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/donate/ – if you also wish to make a donation.

Please stay safe and well and we hope to meet up with you all again very soon.

Electric Playbox expands

AS Retail have advised exciting new immersive gaming concept Electric Playbox, originally known as Electronic Theatre, on the acquisition of their second site in Manchester.

Located within Halle Place at Manchester Arndale, Electric Playbox have taken the unit next to the highly successful independent restaurant Archies with the unit comprising circa 3,200 sq ft.

The property is currently being fitted out in readiness for opening at the beginning of August and it promises to bring a new social entertainment experience to Manchester which can be enjoyed by friends, colleagues and families alike.

This is Electric Playbox’s second site, the first being in London’s Southbank close to Southwark station which opened in late 2019 and was also acquired by AS Retail. It has proved highly popular with the initial two experiences of Alien Aptitude Test and Rescue the Royals being great fun. Other regional sites planned over the coming months.

Andrew Shepherd, Director at AS Retail who conducted the negotiations commented ‘It’s been a pleasure to work with Electric Playbox on introducing their concept into the market and are delighted to have secured this excellent site for them. The neighbouring restaurants in Halle Place will be highly complimentary and we very much look forward to seeing it opening soon. The AS Retail team had their Christmas party at the London venue last year and we had a great time – get yourselves booked in Manchester!’

 

New lease completed

We are delighted to confirm that Pets Corner, the well regarded pet supply chain with nearly 150 outlets nationwide, have signed for a new 15 year lease at 111 High Street, Staines Upon Thames. AS Retail conducted the lease renewal negotiations on behalf of the landlord, a private investor / developer, who has recently completed a residential conversion of the upper floors.

Andrew Shepherd, Director at AS Retail, commented ‘This negotiation has taken some time to conclude but we are pleased with the outcome, particularly during these unprecedented times, as the landlord has secured this quality tenant on a long lease which will underpin the investment value of the property.’

AS Retail are actively negotiating rent reviews, lease renewals and lease restructures on behalf of both landlord and occupier clients on properties nationwide. Please do not hesitate to contact either Andrew or Ellie to discuss any situations where our advice could be helpful for you.

 

Jetts Fitness – Still Actively Acquiring

Following the successful recent openings of clubs in Clapham and Farnborough and despite the current situation, AS Retail are still actively looking to acquire sites for Jetts Fitness in Greater London and South East England.

We are seeking D2 units with 24 hour trading (or change of use opportunities) of between 5,000 – 8,000 sq ft, ideally single level but will consider two levels. A minimum 2.7m floor to ceiling height is required and car parking close by (or close to transport hubs). Previous Gyms that may become available owing to business failure will be positively considered.

For further information please contact Ellie Oldershaw or Andrew Shepherd at AS Retail to discuss any sites which might be suitable.

 

We’re 5!

This week AS Retail are celebrating their 5 year anniversary. We would like to take this opportunity of thanking all our clients for their support.

Roll on the next five years.

Portsmouth, Cascades Shopping Centre

We are delighted to showcase the new Claire’s Accessories unit who are now open and trading in Unit 25A after a recent relocation within The Cascades Shopping Centre.  Sports Direct will be commencing a fit-out shortly on the 50,000 sq ft BHS space with their opening planned for the Summer.

We have other exciting leasing opportunities for permanent and temporary lettings in the scheme so please contact either Andrew Shepherd or Will Stone if you have any requirements.