Great Portland Estates - Retail - Torquay, Union Square Shopping Centre

Date: 08 Nov 1999

Great Portland Estates P.L.C. (GPE), has completed an extensive £550,000 asset enhancement programme at Union Square its 11,148 sq m (120,000 sq ft) shopping centre in Torquay, Devon.

The centre which opened in 1982 was purchased by GPE in 1993 from developer CIN for £12.5 million.

The refurbishment of the 1980s building was implemented to improve the overall shopping environment for local residents and Torquay's many tourists, while simultaneously increasing the trading potential of the quality retailers already located at the fully let scheme.

Anderson Design & Marketing undertook the six month programme of improvements which are based on a theme of 'yatchs anchored at harbour'. The nautical theme is continued throughout the centre with new blue and white tiling which has replaced the old brown decor.

The redesign focuses on new sweeping white canopies to cover the mall's previously open thoroughfares, a comprehensive lighting upgrade designed to adjust to seasonal light variations, and a new internally illuminated suspended feature sign at the main Union Street entrance. At night the external canopies are illuminated creating a dramatic `aqua electric blue wash'.

Other enhancements to Union Square include:

The provision of stainless steel benches and bins for shoppers A new trolley bay enclosure area

White cladding added to the perimeter box canopy around the open mall

Buff paving & charcoal block paviors and setts added to external pedestrian areas.

Commenting on the modernisation programme at Union Square, James Roberts, estates manager at GPE said: "Union Square has recently benefited from the introduction of several new retailers including JJB Sports and Peacocks. The improvements are designed to compliment their presence in the scheme and serve to underline Union Square's position as Torquay's principal shopping centre."

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