Lakeside welcomes flurry of investment from jewellery brands

Lakeside shopping centre in Essex has welcomed recent investment from a number of jewellery brands.

The scheme is set to welcome the arrivals of Browns Jewellers, Ernest Jones, and Diamonds Factory, and has recently seen a reinvestment of £650,000 and an upsize from British jewellers Beaverbrooks.

Browns Jewellers has signed for a 469 sq ft space on Level 2, due to open in the coming months. Nearby, Ernest Jones has signed for a 1,310 sq ft space on Level 2, while on Level 1, international luxury jeweller Diamonds Factory has signed to take a 790 sq ft unit.

Meanwhile, Beaverbrooks is set to upsize into a key corner unit at the entrance to the newly repositioned Brompton Arcade, following a £650,000 investment into the centre. The upsized 2,477 sq ft space, an increase of 34%, will feature an upgraded exterior with glass frontage, customer consultation areas, and a greater selection of jewellery and watches.

Robert Jewell, managing director of asset management at Pradera, said: “The flurry of activity and investment from jewellery brands at Lakeside is testament to the destination’s position as a sought-after super-regional, with an unmatched mix of best-in-class retail. We’re one of the UK’s leading lifestyle destinations because we know what visitors want, and brands such as Browns, Beaverbrooks, Ernest Jones and Diamonds Factory expand the category at every price point, to meet the needs and desires of our loyal catchment.”

Neil Old, managing director of Signet UK and Ireland, said: “Lakeside is one of the UK’s premier retail destinations and an exciting stage for the next chapter of Ernest Jones. With millions of visitors every year, it provides the scale, energy and customer profile that align perfectly with our ambitions for the brand. We’re excited to be unveiling our new store design concept, reflecting a more contemporary, inspiring and elevated experience, while remaining true to the quality, craftmanship and expertise that have made Ernest Jones a trusted jeweller for over 77 years.”

This announcement follows news of continued leasing momentum at Lakeside, with Montreal-born lifestyle brand GARAGE signing to take a 4,221 sq ft space.

Smith Young and LM are Lakeside’s retail leasing agents, while Metis and LM lead the leisure leasing. Pradera asset manages Lakeside on behalf of SGS UK Retail. Orme acted on behalf of Browns, RPC London acted for Ernest Jones,  Beaverbrooks was represented by Kennymoore, and Diamonds Factory represented itself.