AXE throwing, electric darts and a new Tommy Hilfiger store are just some of the ways Lakeside’s new owners are trying breathe fresh air into the shopping centre.
SGS, the new owners of the centre, say drafting in designer brands and new leisure operators is part of a long-term financial plan for the centre.
The firm says terms have been agreed in relation to “long-term financial restructuring”, including new funding to support future investment.
Lakeside bosses say the strategy is to secure the leases of existing tenants and attract exciting new retailers to the centre like Tommy Hilfiger in the hope of boosting trade.
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Alongside big name shops, plans include expanding the leisure offering – such as Boom Bat tle Bar which is set to open soon and offers axe throwing, electric darts and crazy golf.
Last summer, the future of Lakeside Shopping Centre was uncertain after its previous owners - intu Properties - fell into administration.
George Jeffery, Tory member of Basildon Council’s economic development and recovery committee, welcomed the news the future of the centre has been secured.
He said: “Obviously it’s good news and good that the jobs will be supported. It’s a significant employer in Thurrock and a lot of people in south Essex shop there. It would have been such a shame to lose the centre and especially the jobs.
"I hope it continues to give the good customer experience. It also shows the firm still has confidence that there is a future for the centre and it’s viable.”
Steve Gray, head of European retail asset management at Global Mutual, said: “The agreement of a long-term financial restructuring and new funding with our lenders is a defining moment for our four shopping centres.
“Thanks to funding certainty and a stable capital structure we can now focus on delivering our three-year business plan and exit strategy with renewed confidence.
"I am very pleased to report a strong operational performance across our centres despite the sustained headwinds caused by Covid-19, with improvements expected as restrictions ease further over the coming weeks.
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