Middleton: A community hub for support and growth

Jan 12, 2024

Middleton Shopping Centre has experienced a remarkable recovery post-Covid-19, surpassed pre-pandemic footfall levels, and witnessed increased consumer confidence. This case study explores the factors contributing to this resurgence and the impact on tenant trade and community engagement. 


Footfall Recovery: The annual footfall statistics indicate a notable increase in visitor numbers, with 2023 recording 3,300,052 visits compared to the pre-pandemic high of 2,479,089 in 2019. This surge can be attributed to strategic asset management, through careful curating of tenant mix, the introduction of major occupiers like JD Gym/NHS, and a significant change in the car park system in August 2023, resulting in over 5,000 additional vehicles using the car park weekly. The shift to a 5-hour free car park has been a key driver in the increased footfall, positively impacting tenant trade. 


The rise in foot traffic has led to a substantial boost in Costa's turnover, exceeding a 30% increase in turnover from 2017 - 2023. 


Capital Investment Projects: The shopping centre has seen a total investment of £3.25 million, directed towards crucial projects such as roof replacement, mall refurbishment, and new WC facilities. These projects have not only enhanced the overall aesthetics but also reduced the retail footprint by approximately 20%. Furthermore, new planning approved in 2023 aims to redevelop external vacant units, enhancing the facades and adding car spaces. 


Community Projects: Inspire Middleton / Lighthouse Project, a community anchor organisation within the shopping centre, is pivotal in supporting various charitable initiatives. Occupying 16,910 sq. ft., it offsets a significant portion of occupancy costs. 


Highlights from Inspire Middleton's Community Initiatives include: 


  • Running 5500 sessions/activities and groups supporting people needs, including employability skills, health and wellbeing support, leisure interests and activities. 
  • Tackling Food poverty and insecurity by the provision of 80,000 meals, via the Foodbank, supporting 2,989 local adults and children, and another 45,600 meals supporting 813 people through its Pantry. 
  • Tackling debt and financial struggles securing debt relief totalling £582,267 for 484 clients using the FCA registered Lighthouse Money Advice service. 
  • Tackling Digital exclusion offering free internet access and providing over 550 sessions offering digital skills support for individuals who have never used a computer, who are looking for work, or are digitally excluded. 
  • Improving employability skills assisting 41 people in improving job-hunting skills, and 120 attendances for activities related to job search and workplace skills, and CV appointments. 
  • Supporting families via an annual Christmas Toy Appeal providing toys for over 190 children from 89 local families. 

 



‘We are very grateful for the support we receive from Ellandi which helps us to continue offering thousands of local people access to essential support services. Being located in the Shopping Centre is a different experience but is makes it much more convenient for people to find us, and to get the help they need.’  adds Carl Roach, Trustee and Development Manager of Inspire Middleton. 


Other Community Projects: Several external projects, with footfall ranging from 49,000 to 80,000 weekly, contribute to the centre’s community engagement. Projects include Heywood Lions, Middleton Lads & Girls, Rochdale Health Alliance - Stoptober, Rochdale Council events like Christmas Light Switch on, White Ribbon Campaign, and Community Safety Day. 


Ellandi’s investment and asset management strategy for Middleton Shopping Centre including innovative initiatives, and community-focused projects has not only facilitated a remarkable recovery post-Covid-19 but have also positioned it as a hub for community engagement and support. The collaborative efforts between businesses, community organisations, and local authorities showcase the meaningful impact that a shopping centre can have on both economic and social aspects of a community.

 

Dan Davies, Senior Asset Manager said: “We approach every project individually assessing the needs and wants of the local people, and identifying how the physical transformation benefits how people access the shopping centre, we want it to be a place where people like to visit and spend time in. The common theme across all our projects is the community which we put at the heart of everything we do, and every decision we make. We create sustainable places with purpose. And it’s fantastic to see the difference all these changes make to people’s lives."

13 May, 2024
We’re excited about Delivering Retail Plus. We are asset and development managers who invest in and create urban places with purpose. We are 16 years young, B Corp certified, and proudly independent since day one. We currently manage 18 retail-led assets across the UK, from Bradford to Chatham, from Leicester to Milton Keynes and Blackpool to Yate. We work with owners, global investors, local authorities, and lenders. For communities, retailers, hospitality and leisure operators, and healthcare providers. We transform spaces into places: places that attract and serve everyone in their communities. Places that create a sustainable impact for the businesses we partner with and the local lives we enrich. We call this Retail Plus: aligning social and financial agendas to improve the performance of both. If you’d like to know more please get in touch with one of our team. A few of us will be speaking at UKReiif next week!
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Frasers Group's Sports Direct and Lane7 will be the latest new additions to the line at Midsummer Place in Milton Keynes, set to open in 2024 / early 2025. Sports Direc t is a leading retailer of sports and fitness with stores across the UK and internationally. This 50,000 sq ft store will offer the world’s biggest sports and lifestyle brands across footwear, clothing, and equipment, and the store will also feature more brands from Frasers Group’s ecosystem including USC, Evans Cycles, and GAME. Lane7 Ltd will occupy circa 40,000 sq ft which will see the company’s 18th opening in the UK. Both brands will be in the former Next Beauty & Home unit across three floors and join other well-loved brands and retailers that have historically made Midsummer Place the ‘fashionable quarter’ and a first choice for customers looking for the latest trends and aspirational shopping. Lane7 will occupy the basement floor. Simon Anderson, Asset Management Director at Ellandi, said, “Securing both Frasers Group’s Sports Direct, and Lane 7 for Midsummer Place demonstrates both confidence in the market as well as highlighting the opportunity at Midsummer Place. These brands will complement the recent re-development of The Boulevard F&B quarter. We are transforming the centre, and in addition to the physical changes we are curating a very attractive tenant mix. This brings us one step closer to realising our vision to create a high-end, quality destination.” The strategic collaboration marks a significant milestone for Midsummer Place, reinforcing its commitment to creating a destination that is innovative with a diverse offer in the heart of Milton Keynes city centre. These major signings follow the recently completed development of the popular Boulevard which has seen eight independent luxury cabins open to create a food court that provides cuisines from around the world coupled with recognised F&B occupiers Leon, Starbucks, and Pret A Manger. A Frasers Group spokesperson commented: “We are pleased to be opening a new, elevated retail destination in Milton Keynes’ Midsummer Place. The Sports Direct store will give customers access to the world’s best sports and lifestyle brands, as well as bring other brands from the Group’s ecosystem, including USC, Evans Cycles, and GAME, to the location.” Gavin Hughes, Managing Director at Lane7 added, “This will be our biggest Lane7 to date and we can’t wait to come to Midsummer Place, bringing our unique brand of entertainment and hospitality to Milton Keynes.” Midsummer Place opened in 2000 and currently includes retailers, BOSS, Zara, Michael Kors, Tommy Hilfiger, Victoria’s Secret, Hollister, Superdry, New Look, Tesla, LEGO®, and Apple, among others. Further information, including timings, are expected to be announced in the coming months.
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