Atria Watford successfully relets anchor units

Atria Watford is preparing for the reletting of two anchor units, as the scheme celebrates 371,000 sq ft of lettings over the past two years.

Fashion and home retailer Next has significantly upsized at the Watford scheme, creating a new concept store in the 100,000 sq ft former Debenhams unit. Meanwhile, the former John Lewis store has been divided and leased to multiple tenants including Dunelm and Poundland, which have taken 33,000 sq ft and 14,500 sq ft respectively.

Asset manager Global Mutual said that further new brands are set to be announced soon, including a family leisure concept.

The 30,000 sq ft former next unit has been let to Watford-based Tk Maxx, satisfying a long-standing requirement for a store in the retailer’s hometown.

A number of existing retailers are also upsizing at the scheme, including Zara – which will increase the size of its store from 18,000 sq ft to 43,000 sq ft – and JD Sports, which its tripling the size of its presence to a total of 19,000 sq ft.

Watches of Switzerland is also increasing the size of its store, and additional lettings to Rituals, Moss, Pro Cook, and F. Hinds have also been agreed.

Lunson Mitchenall and Brasier Freeth are Atria’s retained letting agents.

Hayley Gisborne, director at Lunson Mitchenall, said: “It is quite amazing the transformation that has occurred in Watford over the last two years, the team have worked tirelessly to re-invent the offer and re-establish atria Watford as the region’s leading mixed used destination. It is a great example of our creative approach to optimising commercial real estate and right sizing and retrofitting retail space to meet current and future consumer and occupier demand.   These exciting new lettings will add significantly to the current tenant mix, but we are not finished yet and are looking forward to revealing more new names in 2024.”

Steve Gray, head of European retail asset management at Global Mutual, added: “We are delighted with the progress made at atria Watford, which not only reinforces our commitment to delivering exceptional results and customer experience, but also reflects the depth of expertise and industry knowledge within our broader client team.”