Lucy McGowan-Scanlon join’s Bruce Gillingham Pollard as Head of Pop-Ups after 2 years at Debenhams. Lucy worked on both long term leases and lead on all of their pop-up activity across 40 stores.  Projects included supporting on the introduction of Café de Pierre (Caffe Concerto) and working with Sweet Potato Spirit Company as they expanded from 5 to 25 pop-ups.

Lucy says “Pop-ups have never had more relevance on the high street than in the current climate as a means to drum up consumer interest, drive footfall and increase dwell time. It is an opportunity for up and coming brands to showcase themselves and given the rent terms, trial different markets and for Landlords to activate their spaces in a way that could rejuvenate the surrounding area. Consumers are now overly familiar with carbon copy high streets and this is the perfect way to create a feeling of change and newness. I am really excited to support our Landlords in a change of approach and look forward to working with the tenants to help bring awareness to and grow their brands”.

Lucy will work across our portfolio of estates and instructions, focusing primarily in London and the Home Counties, with a remit to expand nationally in 2021.

Managing Director Tracey Pollard says,

“Lucy’s retail background brings another dynamic to our business and her insight will be vital to the future success of this initiative. We have long been advocates of pop-ups, as they allow a landlord to test a sector or a potential brand, without full scale commitment from either party. This can create a point of difference and a renewed energy to a shopping destination.

In the current trading environment, pop-ups have never been so important to our clients but the economics of delivering pop up operators which also fit within a tenant mix strategy can be a challenge for agents. Therefore, we firmly believe a dedicated resource, sourcing targeted tenants for pop-up opportunities will prove a vital resource for our clients to navigate the new era of retail.“

Advised by our investment team, Otium Real Estate has purchased Robin Leisure Park in Wigan from a fund managed by CBRE Global Investors. The purchase was made at a price of £12.48m reflecting a yield of 8.3% off a net rental income of £1.107m per annum.

The property extends to 96,163 sq ft and accommodates Wigan’s only multiplex cinema and a range of tenants including Empire cinema, JD Gym, Buzz bingo, Pizza Hut and Frankie and Benny’s. Adjacent to the DW stadium, the park sits on an 18.4-acre freehold site with nearly a 1,000 surface car park spaces.

Ashley Blake of Otium said,

“We are delighted to add this leisure park to the Fund’s portfolio.  Its tenant line-up and location are established, showing us that the scheme still has significant potential for growth – we will be working closely with the tenants to enhance the park further.  From this strong start to the year we are keen to acquire further leisure assets during 2020.”

Andrew McGregor, Head of Investment, who advised Otium said:

“It is always a pleasure to act for Otium and this is an ideal asset for their requirements, with a strong line up as well as scope for asset management.”

The vendor, CBRE Global Investors was advised by Montagu Evans. For more information on Otium’s requirements or on this transaction, please speak to Andrew Mcgregor.

Following a series of soft launches last week, today Arcade Food Theatre at Centre Point opens its doors to the general public. Whilst Londoners have become familiar with the food hall format, Arcade Food Theatre adds another level to this booming sector. We were delighted to have acted for the landlord, Almacantar on the letting.

Arcade Food Theatre occupies 12,500 sq ft and expands across two floors at the base of the Centre Point tower. It features an unparalleled line up of operators from across London including: Pastorcito from Harts Group, Tātā Eatery, Oklava, Flat Iron, Lina Stores, Chotto by Chotto Matte, Casita do Frango and Pophams Bakery and more to open later in the year. Macauley Sinclair were responsible for the interior design which sees eight open kitchens with dedicated counter seating, interspersed by three bars all constructed with a variety of materials designed to complement the original 1960s structure.

Millie Edwards, who acted for the landlord Almacantar said:

“This is a major opening for London’s restaurant scene which adds a premium dimension to the food hall sector and raises the bar once more. Arcade have curated a who’s-who of exciting restaurant brands as well as delivering the crucial element of theatre for experience-led dining. I am absolutely delighted to see the end result which is no doubt set to become a modern classic, only fitting for such an iconic building as Centre Point.”

Shelley Sandzer represented the tenant, Arcade Food Theatre. With thanks to Georgia Pavlidou for the photograph. For more information, please contact Millie Edwards.