Realm, the UK’s market leading operator of outlet retail, has overseen a significant programme of works over the summer at Dalton Park, County Durham. The refurbishment strategy will enhance the scheme’s reputation as the go-to outlet retail offer in the North East and comes as a result of unprecedented footfall and sale increases of 16% and 10% respectively over the last 12 months.
The 20-week programme of works to the 160,000 sq ft destination, which is owned by TH Real Estate, is expected to be finalised by the end of October, and will include noticeable modernisations to the prominent timber façades, replacement of the mall paving, substantial landscaping and the refurbishment of shopfronts throughout. In addition, the introduction of lighting, pause points, mall furniture and upgrade of the WC blocks will enhance the customer experience for the three million people who visit the scheme every year.
The record results Dalton Park has enjoyed over the last 12 months follow the opening of a significant leisure extension in the summer last year. This brought big name brands including Cineworld, Pizza Express, Frankie and Bennies, Prezzo and KFC to the centre as Realm looked to position the scheme as an all-day retail and leisure destination.
Colin Brooks, Managing Director of Realm, commented: “The increased sales enjoyed at Dalton Park are evidence of the popularity of the scheme and outlet retail’s emergence as a strongly performing retail sub-sector. In light of its stand out performance, now is the right time to be investing in the centre to ensure it continues to offer a high quality environment that appeals to customers and therefore maximises the retail and leisure spend. These works allow us to continue on this positive trajectory and ensure the mall’s appearance reflects the aspirational retail and leisure brands we have already attracted, and hope to secure in the coming months.”
Robert MacQueen, TH Real Estate, added: “The refurbishment strategy at Dalton Park is evidence of the continued investment and confidence by TH Real Estate into its portfolio of retail and leisure schemes, both full price and outlet. In line with customer demand, the resulting enhancements will significantly improve their day out shopping experience, maximise the retail spend for the existing tenants and help attract strong new brands into the scheme.”
Dalton Park is the biggest outlet shopping destination in the North East, with over 60 shops selling over 200 different brands and designer labels. Outlets include M&S Outlet, Next, Adidas and GAP fashion stores. Realm has been retained to lease and asset manage the scheme by TH Real Estate since 2015.
