Investment News | 14 September 2021
Derbion strikes major deals with Frasers Group
The Derbion shopping centre has announced more than 200,000 sq ft of new deals with the Frasers Group.
The centre, which attracts 21 million visits into the city a year, has struck the deals, which includes the 127,000 sq ft former Debenhams department store.
It will see the Frasers Group turn the unit, which spans three floors, into a Frasers store. Separately, Frasers Group has confirmed that it will take the former Topshop unit, bringing luxury retailer Flannels to the 24,000 sq ft space.
And it has also confirmed it will also take a further 50,000 sq ft of retail space, which housed the former BHS department store, in St Peter’s Street.
Adam Tamsett, general manager at Derbion, comments: “The retail landscape is continuing to shift, and our ambitious plans for the centre complement the rapid changes that retailers are facing.
“By taking an agile, forward-thinking approach, the team has been able to secure 200,000 sq ft of new leasings this year, an incredible feat given the current climate.”
The investments follow an upward trend for the Derbion as Tommy Hilfiger opened the doors on a new 3,500 sq ft store in June, and Mango has commenced fit out on a 5,000 sq ft unit, following the recent arrivals of Hugo Boss, Hobbs and Whistles.
Plans are also in development to transform Derbion’s food, beverage and leisure offer, to support the successful Showcase Cinema de Lux and Hollywood Bowl and to boost the city’s night-time economy.
Earlier this year, Derbion set out its new vision alongside the refreshed brand, paying homage to the city of Derby’s longstanding association with motion and global innovation within the aerospace and automotive sectors.
The new identity is part of the ongoing transformation of the centre, focused on creating a compelling and attractive offer that appeals to the wider catchment, as Derbion becomes the destination of choice in the East Midlands for both visitors and occupiers.
Adam said: “It’s particularly rewarding to be able to announce our exciting partnership with the Frasers Group, with their headquarters not far from us in Shirebrook, and we’re looking forward to welcoming their popular brands to Derbion.
“The significant investment planned for the centre further signals the complete confidence that we have in Derby.”
John Forkin, managing director at Marketing Derby, said: “The team at the Derbion have really excelled themselves and it's hard to underestimate how important this news is for the city.
“In the past 10 years £1.4 billion has been invested into Derby city centre, with a further £576 million in the pipeline.”
