Just nine months after purchasing the Strand Shopping Centre, Ellandi can announce that they have completed the first stage of their Bootle masterplan. 

Contracts have been signed with local favourite TJ Hughes who will be opening their 16th store of over 30,000 sq ft in time for Christmas trading 2015.  The creation of their new premises involves closing two malls, encompassing 21 vacant units within the scheme in addition to the site of their former store. 

Negation’s for a 10 year lease started shortly before Ellandi bought the centre and should see the Liverpool discount retailer open by mid-October creating 50 new jobs as a result of an investment of nearly £3m. 

This major announcement is in addition to the news that Ellandi also completed regears with national retailers Iceland & JD Sports, securing their ongoing occupation within the scheme in addition to new lettings to Select & Shoe Zone and a renewal to Perfect Homes. 

Improving the retail mix is only part of Ellandi’s tried & tested masterplan. The specialist community shopping centre investors intend to roll out a series of improvements including refurbishing the toilets & malls; revitalising entrances and carrying out a rebrand along with setting in the new signage which was revealed in October last year. 

 Richard Hutchinson, Asset Manager at Ellandi said “We recently carried out some research which showed that 74% of shoppers are shopping the same or more at their local shopping centres. Retaining good tenants and adding to the retail mix will establish The Strand once again as a vibrant shopping destination for the local community. 

"As a result of the TJ Hughes letting and others, we have already reduced vacancy rate by 23.5%.  The works we have planned will further enhance the shopping experience and give the local community a town centre to be proud of.” 

Margaret Carney, Sefton Council’s Chief Executive, commented “The return of TJ Hughes to The Strand is excellent news for the Centre and the south of the borough.  

“To see a recognised national retailer return to The Strand is very encouraging and will only benefit the local economy in the years to come. We wish them every success for the future.” 

Rob Clarke, centre manager of The Strand added “We are very excited to welcome TJ Hughes back to the Centre.  Since TJ's doors closed some 5 years ago, our customers have been asking us to bring them back on a daily basis.  Now they have agreed to reopen their doors and it’s fantastic that we have been able to deliver something that the community has been asking for.   Working alongside Ellandi to deliver the redevelopment of the centre, I am personally excited about what the future holds.”