Centenary Asset Management

17th Jun 2008

Castle Mall, Antrim’s newly extended shopping scheme has brought 5 new great brands to the area and due to the initial success of their first year’s trading, Gordons Chemist has agreed to relocate to a larger unit.

The expansion is part of the continued development at Castle Mall, which earlier this year opened a £5 million extension totaling 28,000 sq ft (2,600 m²) of retail space, as well as re-branding from originally Castle Centre to Castle Mall. Woolworths opened a 10,000 sq ft (929 m²) store in March along with O2, Cardland, Timpsons and local fashion operator, Paul Coote who also began trading during Easter.

Gordons, Northern Ireland’s largest independently - owned pharmacy, health and beauty chain will move to a 4,500sq ft (418 m²) unit on a 10 year lease and will be ready for trade in September 2008.

John Clarke, General Manager of Gordons Chemist, said:

"We are delighted with our relocation and expansion at Castle Mall - after only one year of trading. We are a community-based company and we are very focused on the needs of customers so as a response to both success and demand, this new store will allow us to offer a wide range of products and services."

Daniel Himsworth, spokesperson for Woolworths, remarks:

"Our new store in Castle Mall has got off to a flying start. Sales numbers are ahead of expectations and it’s a great place for colleagues to work and our customers to shop. The high footfall and ideal-size units make it an ideal location for a Woolworths store."

Linda Black, Director at Centenary Asset Management, comments:

"It is fantastic to see the extension complete, open for business and footfall increasing. The changes at the centre highlight the evolving face of shopping in Antrim Town and further investment by Gordons in such a short period of time highlights the inherent strength in the town."

Ryan Kee of BTWShiells, letting and managing agents on the scheme, comments:

"The centre has definitely turned a corner since Centenary Asset Management purchased the scheme and this is highlighted by the retailers that we are now attracting. Going forward, we are confident that Antrim will finally have a shopping centre that will prevent further leakage to surrounding towns."

Opportunities available from 500 sq ft (46 m²) to 8,000 sq ft (743m²). For further information contact sole retained letting agents BTWShiells; Ryan Kee or Lucia Morrison on 028 9032 7954 or email rkee@btwshiells.co.uk / lmorrison@btwshiells.co.uk


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For further information contact:
Linda Black, Centenary Asset Management LLP on 020 7491 0050 or email lb@centenary-am.co.uk

For letting information contact:
Ryan Kee or Lucia Morrison, BTW Shiells on 028 9032 7954 or email rkee@btwshiells.co.uk / lmorrison@btwshiells.co.uk


NOTES TO EDITORS

• Gordons new store will contain a greater range of products such as Estee Lauder, Clarins and Clinique, as well as a consulting room, which allows for private consultation.
• Castle Mall, formally Castle Centre, has been trading in the heart of Antrim for 27 years.
• For further information regarding Castle Mall log on to www.castlemallantrim.com
• For further information regarding Centenary Asset Management LLP log on to www.centenary-am.co.uk