Former Debenhams at Uxbridge shopping centre fully relet after trio of F&B signings

The Chimes Shopping Centre in Uxbridge, West London, has completed the reletting of its former Debenhams department store after signing a trio of F&B brands.

Pizza Express will open on the High Street before Christmas, while Taco Bell and Afrikana will occupy the last remaining available space that made up part of the former department store. Taco Bell is targeting a December opening, with Afrikana set to launch in January.

This marks the completion of a new restaurant and leisure hub, bringing together a mixture of casual and quick-service dining operators that look complement the existing Odeon Luxe, the recently opened Hollywood Bowl, and the wider retail offering within The Chimes.

Niall Macdonald, asset manager at Aberdeen Investments, said: “Securing these well-known operators to occupy the high street facing part of the The Chimes demonstrates the improved overall offer of the scheme. The 110,000 sq ft of former department store space is now fully let to seven established and exciting brands, all signed up over the past 18 months, enhancing both the overall tenant mix and the centre’s ability to generate substantial footfall, underpinning the asset’s performance.”

Paul Bugeja from Colliers’ Licensed & Leisure team, added, “The full letting of the former Debenhams is a real boost for The Chimes and for Uxbridge as a destination. With Pizza Express and Taco Bell opening just in time for Christmas and Afrikana following in January, it’s a fantastic moment for the local community, creating a vibrant new hub where people can come together to eat, relax and enjoy themselves over the festive season.”