Bristol Alliance opens its Cabot Circus Shopping Centre in Bristol

Posted under General by Michael

The Bristol Alliance has opened its £500m Cabot Circus Shopping Centre in Bristol which will let 140 shops.

Bristol Alliance is a joint venture between Hammersons and Land Securities. The centre, which had been under development for the last 8 years, offers one million square feet of retail and leisure area.  It is situated on the M32 approach to Bristol. Of the provision for 140 shops, 75 are new to Bristol. Around 100 retailers opened their stores on opening day, while the remaining stores should be opening in coming weeks.

90% of the space is currently being let at the centre and it is anticipated that better shopping facilities would attract more consumers to Bristol. With 25 restaurants and cafes, Cabot Circus is aspiring to establish itself in the top ten destination centres of the UK, hoping to attract 24m visitors every year.

An estimated 20,000 workers were involved in the construction of the Cabot Circus Shopping Centre.

Bristol Alliance, in partnership with SOLON South West Housing Association, will be releasing 24 affordable homes and 32 neighbouring apartments. A 15-storey residential tower with 200 apartments is due to be constructed above Harvey Nichol’s store by the MCD Developments.

Construction of new offices on 161,500 sq ft space will commence in 2009, and Future Inns will be starting a 140-bed hotel in the centre next year.