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Shopping centre set for £15m expansion
Thursday September 23rd 2010, Sunderland Echo
A NEW £15million development in Sunderland city centre looks set to create more than 150 jobs.
Land Securities, owner of the Bridges shopping centre, has announced its intentions to build a three-story, 60,000 sq ft Primark store at the High Street West and Walworth Way entrance to the retail space.
Plans will be submitted for consultation next month and the company is hoping work on the expansion will begin in 2011.
Jonathan Buckle, portfolio manager for the Bridges, said he was delighted to be bringing good news to Sunderland.
Speaking to the Echo he said: “This is a significant investment programme which demonstrates Land Securities’ commitment and confidence in Sunderland.
“Our objectives are to enhance the shopping experience we provide for the 21million customers who visit the centre each year by ensuring more of their favourite high street fashion brands are located within the Bridges and to enhance the centre’s reputation as one of the best shopping and fashion destinations in the North East.
“Primark has outgrown its existing store, located on Fawcett Street, and is very keen to remain in the city.
“The Bridges is fast becoming a fashion hub and with the likes of Bank, H&M, New Look, Top Shop, River Island and Schuh already part of the retail offer, we are confident that this is the right location for the brand new Primark store.”
The swathing cuts in the public sector set to be announced next month mean that the announcement of growth and investment in the city centre has been warmly received throughout the area.
Gary Hutchinson, chairman of the Sunderland committee of the North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) said the news was all the better, given the financial climate of the region.
He said: “This is excellent news for Sunderland.
“A wider choice of retail outlets in the city will lead to an increase in the number of people shopping in Sunderland.
“This, in turn, will boost our local economy and give us a platform on which we can further develop the city as a whole. The city centre has been recognised as a key area in need of support and the NECC will do just that.
“By working with the city council and other key partners we aim to continue to help our city centre to reach its full potential.
Read More - http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/local/shopping_centre_set_for_15m_expansion_1_1609783
Thursday September 23rd 2010, Sunderland Echo

A NEW £15million development in Sunderland city centre looks set to create more than 150 jobs.
Land Securities, owner of the Bridges shopping centre, has announced its intentions to build a three-story, 60,000 sq ft Primark store at the High Street West and Walworth Way entrance to the retail space.
Plans will be submitted for consultation next month and the company is hoping work on the expansion will begin in 2011.
Jonathan Buckle, portfolio manager for the Bridges, said he was delighted to be bringing good news to Sunderland.
Speaking to the Echo he said: “This is a significant investment programme which demonstrates Land Securities’ commitment and confidence in Sunderland.
“Our objectives are to enhance the shopping experience we provide for the 21million customers who visit the centre each year by ensuring more of their favourite high street fashion brands are located within the Bridges and to enhance the centre’s reputation as one of the best shopping and fashion destinations in the North East.
“Primark has outgrown its existing store, located on Fawcett Street, and is very keen to remain in the city.
“The Bridges is fast becoming a fashion hub and with the likes of Bank, H&M, New Look, Top Shop, River Island and Schuh already part of the retail offer, we are confident that this is the right location for the brand new Primark store.”
The swathing cuts in the public sector set to be announced next month mean that the announcement of growth and investment in the city centre has been warmly received throughout the area.
Gary Hutchinson, chairman of the Sunderland committee of the North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) said the news was all the better, given the financial climate of the region.
He said: “This is excellent news for Sunderland.
“A wider choice of retail outlets in the city will lead to an increase in the number of people shopping in Sunderland.
“This, in turn, will boost our local economy and give us a platform on which we can further develop the city as a whole. The city centre has been recognised as a key area in need of support and the NECC will do just that.
“By working with the city council and other key partners we aim to continue to help our city centre to reach its full potential.
Read More - http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/local/shopping_centre_set_for_15m_expansion_1_1609783