The owner of the Sovereign Shopping Centre has hinted at plans to extend the site and expand its retail offering, after confirming a new-look food court will open for business on Tuesday in the first stage of ‘widespread improvements to Weston-super-Mare’.
The food court at the centre has undergone a two-month renovation, and Daniel Carter, of Vixcroft Ltd – who bought the Sovereign Centre in 2015 for more than £30million – has hinted at further improvements to the complex.
He exclusively told the Mercury this week: “This is just the start of our investment programme at the centre which will complement the wider regeneration of the town centre which will see widespread improvements to Weston.
“We want to work with North Somerset Council to improve the northern and western elevations at Town Square and Victoria Square, and seek to introduce more restaurants.”
Weston’s shoppers have long been calling for improvements to the town’s retail offering, and Mr Carter confirmed Vixcroft hopes to expand the variety of shops at the Sovereign Centre.
He said: “We need to create variety.
“The shopping centre is virtually 100 per cent let so improving the talent mix involves replacing.
“Leases expire naturally, but we feel we are a good landlord.
“We see the upgrade of the retail talent mix as an ongoing process.”
Mr Carter’s comments come after the completion of a £500,000 revamp of the shopping centre’s food court which will welcome its first customers on Tuesday.
Sandwich-specialists Druckers, who solely occupied the food court prior to the development will recommence trading next week, and a number of other food outlets will be announced in November.
Mr Carter added: “Having Druckers in the Sovereign Centre reinforces our appeal and the Sovereign Centre’s status as a quality regional retail and leisure destination.
“The food court will deliver a significant internal improvement.”
The food court has been named The Galley, due to its proximity to the sea and the coastal views from the seating area.
Sovereign Centre manager Nick Cooke said: “The Galley will definitely draw in more visitors to the Sovereign Centre.
“People are commenting on how it is a bright and airy space well worth visiting.”
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