LAKELAND SIGNS UP AT INTU ELDON SQUARE

intu Eldon Square is set to welcome Lakeland as it signs up for a 4,400 sq ft store at Douglas Way. The retailer has signed a ten year lease and will be opening at Easter. Family owned business Lakeland has been selling creative kitchenware via home shopping and a store network for nearly 50 years. Its new store at the heart of Newcastle will be Lakeland’s sixth with intu, with stores also at intu Lakeside, intu Watford, intu Metrocentre, Cribbs Causeway and St David’s. Kate Grant, asset management director of intu, said: “With our refurbishment nearly complete and further development planned, now is the perfect time for Lakeland to join intu Eldon Square, a top ten shopping location in the UK.” Bob Granger, Lakeland’s finance and retail director, said: “As we continue to expand the Lakeland brand and store network, picking the best location for our stores is key. As the prime location for retail in Newcastle intu Eldon Square was the obvious choice.” intu Eldon Square which attracts an annual footfall of 36 million a year, is currently undergoing a £22 million mall refurbishment. The centre also received planning permission last year for the creation of a new destination dining quarter within the Sidgate and High Friars malls. Work is scheduled to commence shortly. intu Eldon Square was advised by Lunson Mitchenall and Sanderson Weatherall whilst Lakeland was advised by Harmer Ray Hoffbrand.