The long-standing centre manager of Cwmbran Shopping has announced his retirement, after a successful 17-year career with Wales’ largest shopping centre.
Gerry Hutchings joined Cwmbran Shopping in 1995 and has since become a familiar face in the town centre, heading up the 60-strong centre management team.
In his demanding role, Gerry has managed every aspect of the running of the centre, as well as working in conjunction with PRUPIM, the centre’s managing agents, on behalf of the landlord. He has also been responsible for dealing with all retail tenants within the town that now attracts circa 18 million visitors each year, boasting 170 retail stores, residential flats and office accommodation.
During his time as centre manager, Cwmbran Shopping has undergone a number of changes, including the successful re-development of a 12-acre site in the north west of the town centre ten years ago.
Another aspect of Gerry’s role was to oversee the introduction of new retail tenants to the centre, and his hard work in this area is reflected in the fact Cwmbran has one of the lowest retail unit vacancy rates in the UK.
It has also seen customer footfall rise year on year against a challenging economic backdrop.
Under Gerry’s leadership, Cwmbran Shopping also picked up a silver Green Apple Environment award in a national search for Britain’s greenest companies in November 2012.
Gerry said:
“I have thoroughly enjoyed working at Cwmbran Shopping and it’s been a very rewarding 17 years. I’ve particularly enjoyed working closely with all of our retailers and shopping customers, who are at the heart of everything we do. I’ve made many lifelong friends here, and I plan to stay in touch with them all.
“I wish the team the best of luck for the future and look forward to seeing the centre’s continued success. I’m going to enjoy my retirement, my wife and I have already planned a trip to Australia to visit my daughter and grandchildren.”
Simon Phipps, director of retail asset management at PRUPIM, said:
“Gerry has been a central part of Cwmbran Shopping’s success over the years and we are extremely grateful for his dedication and hard work.
“We very much hope he enjoys a long and happy retirement, which is completely deserved after almost two decades of tireless service for the shopping centre and the wider community.”