Legal & General Partners with Global Investor to Drive Latest UK Regeneration Project

The significant injection of capital will enhance the existing Arndale Shopping centre as well as kick-start the scheme’s £85 million retail and leisure extension, contributing to the wider regeneration of the local area in collaboration with Eastbourne Borough Council. The joint venture continues LGIM Real Assets’ track record of matching international capital with attractive investment opportunities in the UK, as well as unlocking the growth of UK towns and cities. Across Legal & General £8 billion has been invested in UK infrastructure, direct investments and urban regeneration projects with a commitment to invest a total of £15 billion. Long-term capital is used to invest in real assets, providing income for investors and stimulating UK economic growth.

The new investment bolsters plans for the major 175,000 sq ft retail and leisure extension which is expected to create approximately 800 retail and catering jobs. The new extension, which includes the demolition of buildings to the west of the Centre along Terminus Road, will bring an additional 22 new retail units, approximately 300 extra car parking spaces, seven restaurants and a nine-screen cinema to Eastbourne town centre. A building contract is now in place and construction works have begun with completion expected in autumn 2018.

James Whitehill, Senior Fund Manager at LGIM Real Assets, said: “This injection of international capital by a key investment partner, alongside Legal & General’s existing ownership and investment, ensures the further strengthening of an already dominant retail destination. We have already secured a host of excellent retailers for the extension to include a major cinema operator as well as many popular restaurants in a boost to both the town’s day time and night time economy.”

Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council, Councillor David Tutt added: "I am delighted with the confidence that this private investment demonstrates in the future of our town.  The Council will continue to work closely with the developer to ensure the success of this important project.  This, together with the transformation of the Devonshire Park, plans for a new swimming pool and fresh employment opportunities at Sovereign Harbour, demonstrate how Eastbourne is bucking the trend in a period of austerity."

New signings for the extension include Cineworld, Next, H&M, Fat Face, New Look, Nando’s, Carluccio’s, Wagamama, Byron, Chiquito, Frankie & Benny’s and Ask. Work has been carried out on the first £2 million phase of the extension to create a contemporary glass atrium at the Centre’s West Entrance and new facades to the Terminus Road frontage.

LGIM Real Assets has a long-term track record of regenerating towns and cities across the UK and has a depth of experience in creating unique retail and leisure destinations. Current major projects include a £240 million retail and leisure scheme in Bracknell which is a part of one of the largest urban regeneration schemes currently being built in the UK, as well as a £53 million investment to acquire and fund the development of St James, Dover, a new retail and leisure scheme at the heart of Dover town centre.