Landsec has recently made a significant advancement in its £45 million investment initiative at Gunwharf Quays, a key waterfront outlet destination. The company submitted its second planning application to Portsmouth City Council, building on the success of the project’s initial phase.
The first submission, which involved improvements to The Avenues at Gunwharf Quays, was approved in August. The latest application aims to continue the enhancement of the destination to attract new visitors and encourage repeat visits from the approximately 6.4 million people who visit annually.
This next stage of investment will concentrate on Marlborough Square, a principal entry point to Gunwharf Quays. The plans include upgrades to the entrance tunnel, a vital access for those arriving from Portsmouth Harbour train station or the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. The proposed developments encompass improvements to building aesthetics, shopfronts, public spaces, and landscaping. Additionally, more seating and new facilities are planned to enhance dwell time and facilitate deeper connections between brands and their customers.
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Pablo Sueiras, Head of Retail Asset Management at Landsec, expressed enthusiasm about this next phase: “This submission marks another milestone in our long-term investment in Gunwharf Quays. We’re focused on making improvements to every part of our guests’ experience so it becomes an even more compelling and unique all-day-out destination and provides a unique environment for our brand partners to flourish.”
He further highlighted the role of retail in community and environmental well-being, citing Landsec’s commitment to sustainability and local partnerships: “These plans and our ongoing investments across our UK-wide destinations demonstrate just how much retail is a force for good. With our ongoing sustainability actions and our strengthened local partnerships, we can continue to create value for our brand partners, local communities, and the environment.”
Landsec’s inclusive approach to development is evident in its collaboration with over 500 members of the Portsmouth community, who have contributed to shaping the future plans for Gunwharf Quays. More phases of the investment are expected to be announced in the summer of 2024. If approved, the work on Marlborough Square is set to commence in the summer of 2024, following the initial phase that is due to start in early 2024.
In line with its sustainability goals, Landsec will also initiate a solar panel installation program at Gunwharf Quays in 2024. This project is aimed at boosting energy efficiency and supporting sustainability targets of its brand partners. The installation, which is due to begin in Spring 2024, will significantly reduce carbon emissions and generate sufficient energy to power about 70 homes.
