9 OCTOBER 2009 - HOBBS SIGNS UP FOR 3,000 SQ. FT. AT BREWERY SQUARE, DORCHESTER
Hobbs, the modern classic ladies clothing, footwear and accessories retailer, has signed up to pre-let a 3,140 sq. ft. double shop unit in the heart of the new town centre scheme at Brewery Square, Dorchester. Nicky Dulieu, Hobbs Chief Executive,said: "We saw a great opportunity for Hobbs to open at Brewery Square. With a significant affluent catchment population in the area, it enables us to deliver the Hobbs proposition to customers who currently have limited access to us. We were also very impressed with the quality of the scheme and the attention to detail Andrew and his team are delivering, in particular the sensitive re-use of listed buildings by Conran & Partners and the creative architecture of Piers Gough's new buildings. We look forward to opening in 2011."
Commenting on the news, Brewery Square director Andrew Wadsworth said: "We are delighted to have signed up Hobbs as a key anchor, and are now launching the letting campaign for the other shops and restaurants at Brewery Square. This will be an extremely strong trading environment for Hobbs modern classic, stylish women's clothing, footwear, and accessories. With the retail in Phase 1 completed in April this year, nearly fully let, and Hobbs joining Cafe Rouge and Pizza Express in Phase 2, the scheme will transform the county town.” Brewery Square is a new mixed use urban quarter in the heart of the historic County Town. The project includes c. 100,000 sq. ft. of commercial space including 45 shops and restaurants. Phase 1, opposite the town’s Fairfield Market, (established in 1305), includes 9 shops, 8 of which are let, including: Panini’s Café, Simon’s Deli, The New Curiosity Shop, The Market Pharmacy and Savills first office in the town. The last available Phase 1 shop is in negotiation. In Phase 2, in addition to Hobbs, Café Rouge has taken 3,136 sq. ft. and Pizza Express has taken 3,003 sq. ft. both with large terrace dining areas. A further c. 10,000 sq ft of retail is under offer in Phase 2, programmed to open in September 2011. The 48 bed 4-star hotel which includes the 11,000 sq ft health spa and swimming pool, with its own fresh spring water supply, and the County Town’s largest 250 seater function room is in negotiation.