Latest News | 27 August 2021
Derbion announces massive new deals
Today, the Derbion, which attracts 21 million visits into the city annually, has announced more than 200,000 sq ft of new deals, including the letting of the whole of the Debenhams department store.
Frasers Group plc has signed for the 127,000 sq ft unit which spans three floors, and will open as a Frasers.
Frasers will bring a dynamic retail destination to the centre and will boast an unrivalled range of beauty, fashion, premium and contemporary accessories focusing on experience, brands and service. Sports Direct will also operate within the store, with an unrivalled selection for men’s, women’s and kids and will include sections dedicated to disciplines such as running, football and outdoors.
Separately, and further bolstering Derbion’s premium fashion offering, Frasers Group has confirmed that it will take the former Topshop unit, bringing luxury retailer FLANNELS to the 24,000 sq. ft space. Completing the significant deal, Frasers Group has 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 which will be a major boost to the St Peters Quarter.
Adam Tamsett, General Manager of 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.
“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. With many multi-million pound projects happening on our doorstep, £15 million secured as part of the Future High Street Fund and the recent announcement that Derby will be bidding to become the UK’s City of Culture in 2025, the future is very bright.”
John Forkin, Managing Director of Marketing Derby commented: “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 £1.4bn has been invested into Derby city centre, with a further £576m in the pipeline.”
The investments will 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.
