INTU SUBMITS PLANNING APPLICATION FOR £17M

CATERING DEVELOPMENT AT INTU ELDON SQUARE Intu has submitted a planning application to refurbish and redevelop two of the malls within intu Eldon Square shopping centre in Newcastle. The proposal outlines intu’s plans to create a destination dining quarter, providing 21 new catering units within the current Sidgate and High Friars malls. The new dining quarter will be a covered family dining space set over two levels within the heart of Newcastle city centre, incorporating the stunning Grade II listed facades and views over Old Eldon Square, Greys Monument  and the Grainger Town Conservation Area. The new offer will bring diverse casual and fine dining operators to the city centre. We have spoken to many operators who have expressed great interest in the project, and are looking to use this scheme to bring brand new catering concepts to the UK and Newcastle. Martin Breeden, asset management director for intu said: “Newcastle is a vibrant city and intu Eldon Square occupies the prime pitch with an annual footfall of 36 million. We want to deliver high-quality catering which will meet the high demand from our shoppers. Intu Eldon Square will become an even better place for people to spend quality time together and we are looking forward to bringing some great new names and concepts to the city.” Pat Ritchie, Chief Executive of Newcastle City Council, added: "The council is working hard with longstanding partners intu to drive growth and create jobs in the local economy by increasing the vibrancy and competitiveness of the city's retail offer. We look forward to seeing the details and the proposal will be subject to all necessary statutory approvals. Investing in our city, supporting business and creating the right conditions for growth are critical to our future we are playing an active part. This proposed new destination dining quarter will add to the distinctiveness of the city centre and underline Newcastle's attractiveness as a key destination." Newcastle is already a UK top ten retail city and the enhanced catering offer will encourage more people to visit Newcastle city centre from surrounding area and stay for longer. It is expected that approximately 250 permanent jobs will be created once the outlets are open. These plans will further complement the growth in tourism and business that the city is experiencing, reflected in the opening of several new hotels recently. It is expected that works will start on site in early 2014 for an opening around Easter 2015. Intu is already investing heavily in the shopping centre which is currently undergoing a £22m refreshment and modernisation programme enhancing existing malls by upgrading ceilings and interiors and a new main entrance to the centre on Northumberland Street.