Multi-million-pound plans to revamp Portsmouth’s waterfront Gunwharf Quays shopping centre have been revealed. Owners Landsec said the £45m investment would include new flooring, lighting and decor upgrades.
Landsec said the work would “improve the guest experience” at the centre, which first opened in 2001.
The first phase focuses on The Avenues – home to 42 premium retail brands and visited by 6.4 million people that come to Gunwharf Quays’ each year. In addition, Landsec has committed to installing a new solar PV system next year, which supports its ambitions to improve energy efficiency, lower its carbon emissions and have a more positive impact on its surrounding environment.
Landsec has submitted a planning application to the council to improve the look and feel of the centre, create a more memorable experience for visitors and build on its position as the UK’s leading waterfront outlet shopping destination.
Yvonne Clay, Centre Director at Gunwharf Quays commented:
“Gunwharf Quays is already a special place that brings people, premium retail and great dining experiences all together in the only destination of its kind in the UK. We want our guests to enjoy a memorable experience from the moment they arrive, to when they leave, and when they come back to visit us again’.
“These improvement works will ensure our retailers continue to flourish and benefit from an environment that best helps them to connect with their customers. This investment demonstrates our confidence that retail and Gunwharf Quays will continue to be a key contributor to creating long-term value for Portsmouth.”
If approved, works to The Avenues will commence in early 2024 and complete in early 2025.
The Leader of Portsmouth City Council, Steve Pitt, said it was “a sign of confidence” in the city despite ongoing economic difficulties across the country.
“Gunwharf is a flagship development, not only for Portsmouth residents but also attracting people from outside the city,” he said.
“It’s really great news that Landsec are willing to make this level of investment.”
Yvonne Clay, Gunwharf Quays’ centre director. said:
“These improvement works will ensure our retailers continue to flourish and benefit from an environment that best helps them to connect with their customers.”