Edutainment in Shopping Centres
Edutainment: Transforming Shopping Centres into Family-Friendly Destinations
Nothing ruins a family shopping trip quicker that a grumpy child who wants to go home. Not every child loves a day out shopping for new school shoes or watching mum and dad look at new phone cases.
Finding different ways to attract and keep young families entertained while they are shopping in one of our schemes is an important objective for us. If we find the right solutions this can help increase footfall, extend shopping trips and enhance the customer experience.
We have found three great operators to work with and brought in Playbox, Kidsbury Play and Wonder to our centres in Enfield, Tunbridge Wells and Fareham respectively.
These businesses are focused on the educational development of children (up to the age of 7) through role play. They create worlds of imagination for children to explore and have fun – all while under the watchful eye of the parents as they relax with a well earned coffee from the in-house cafes.
The customer response to these openings has been fantastic and, who knows, the fond childhood memories these play spaces create may just bring the adults of the future back for more shopping and days out with their own little ones.
RivingtonHark adds mandates and team members for next era of growth
The asset and development manager marks 25 years in business with expansion into new areas.
For 25 years, we have been at the forefront of revitalising town and city centres across the UK. From unlocking value in struggling assets to delivering major regeneration projects, our expertise has helped curate, evolve, and future-proof the places where people live, work, and spend time.
Since the merger of Rivington (est. 2014) and Hark (est. 1999) five years ago, we have grown into the UK’s leading independent town and city centre regeneration specialist, delivering expert development, asset management, and strategic investment advice across a £1bn+ portfolio.
We’ve built and invested £500m+ since COVID in places including Chester, Swansea, Liverpool, Leeds, Romford, and Enfield. We are currently active in 13 towns and cities, advising on 1m+ sq. ft. of regeneration and managing eight shopping centre assets. We are advising local authorities, such as Newcastle, Shrewsbury, and Fareham, helping them unlock complex regeneration challenges.
Looking ahead, we’ve been appointed to regenerate over 600,000 sq. ft. of shopping centres in Merthyr Tydfil and Tunbridge Wells, repurposing these spaces for the future. Our public sector expertise has also been recognised with our selection to the NHS Property Services development management framework.
To celebrate this milestone, David Lewis and Mark Williams sat down with Jessica Middleton Pugh at Greenstreet News to discuss our latest mandates and the future of urban regeneration. Click here to read more: https://greenstreetnews.com/article/rivingtonhark-adds-mandates-and-team-members-for-next-era-of-growth/?mc_cid=c6a663b67d
A huge thank you to our team, partners, and clients for being part of this journey. From arenas to markets, homes to office hubs, cinemas to public parks, we’re proud to be leading the way in redefining UK towns and cities. With unrivalled expertise, a proven track record, and capital capability, we’re ready for the next 25 years.
Asian Flavours on the rise in RivingtonHark's Portfolio
RivingtonHark Embracing the Asian Food Revolution with a Series of New Tenant Openings
Consumer habits are evolving, and one of the most exciting trends shaping the retail landscape is the UK’s growing love for Asian culture, food, and international influences. From the rising popularity of Asian restaurants and street food to the surge in Asian supermarkets, this sector is thriving more than ever.
At RivingtonHark, we’re always looking to stay ahead of emerging trends and bring fresh, in-demand concepts to our destinations. That’s why we’re excited to welcome three new Asian supermarket operators—each offering a Grab & Go food selection—to our schemes in Liverpool, Norwich, and Enfield.
All of these operators are trading extremely well and have brought something different to our tenant mix which has helped increase footfall and dwell time.
With the increasing exposure that the UK consumer gets to Korean and other Asian cultures we think there is more to come from this sector in UK shopping centres – our customers certainly love them!
A Warm Welcome Back to Landsec at Liverpool One
Welcome Back Landsec
The sun might not be out, but on behalf of RivingtonHark, Ocean Outdoor and St Johns in Liverpool we give a warm welcome back to Landsec following their purchase of Liverpool One.
Landsec previously developed and successfully managed St Johns for over five decades before we acquired it. Since then, St Johns has continued to evolve, thriving as Liverpool’s primary community centre. It works in harmony with Liverpool One, contributing to the vibrancy and success of the area.
Both St Johns and Landsec are also fortunate to work closely with Ocean Outdoor, Landsec’s partner on the iconic Piccadilly Circus screen in London, whilst St Johns is proud to have the striking Liverpool Media Wall.
Landsec’s purchase of Liverpool One is a fantastic boost for the city and demonstrates the importance of Liverpool as an investment opportunity, economic powerhouse and world class visitor destination.
Palace Shopping Welcomes The Secret Garden
Community Garden Created at Palace Shopping Enfield
RivingtonHark are delighted to highlight the success of The Secret Garden community project recently installed in Enfield.
A once-neglected area off the Waitrose service yard has been transformed into a vibrant community garden. This project, aimed at enhancing accessible green spaces, reflects the centre’s commitment to community well-being, inclusivity, and sustainability. With support from local community groups the garden has been designed to provide a welcoming environment for staff and members of the community. Sustainable practices are evident throughout the garden.
Upcycled wooden pallets were transformed into planters and seating by Men in Sheds charitable organisation, showcasing the power of community collaboration and resourcefulness. Volunteers from the community, alongside both the centre management and marketing team, played a key role in preparing the site and painting the walls, creating a sense of shared ownership and pride.
The neglected space has been transformed into a peaceful and inspiring environment for all stakeholders in Enfield to enjoy.
Led by volunteers and supported by organisations like RivingtonHark, Mapp and NowMedia, The Secret Garden will be an initiative we hope to see thrive, fostering a sense of community and environmental stewardship. The project highlights the power of collective action in transforming spaces and strengthening connections within the local area.
By combining creativity and sustainability, The Secret Garden is contributing to a brighter, greener future for Enfield and its residents.
For more information, please see link to the case study below.https://rivingtonhark.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/SecretGarden_CaseStudy_PalaceShopping_Nov2024.pdf
Vue Cinema Extends Partnership With Castle Quarter
We are thrilled to announce that Vue, the UK's largest cinema operator, has reaffirmed its commitment to Castle Quarter, Norwich’s premier social, leisure, and lifestyle hub, by signing a lease extension for another 20 years
As part of this long-term agreement, Vue has also completed a major refurbishment of its eight-screen cinema. The updates include the installation of luxurious recliner seating and a refreshed foyer, all designed to elevate the visitor experience and maintain its reputation as a top destination for cinema-goers.
Vue’s extended partnership strengthens Castle Quarter’s appeal, further solidifying its transformation into a vibrant hub for socializing, leisure, and lifestyle activities. With complementary brands such as Boom Battle Bar, Putt Putt Social, and Escape Hunt, Castle Quarter is now central Norwich’s unrivalled destination for entertainment and leisure.
Will Ashdown, Asset Manager at Rivington Hark, commented: “Vue has long been a central part of what Castle Quarter has to offer visitors, and as such it is fantastic to see the chain commit to the destination for a further 20 years. This lease and investment in the cinema upgrades highlight not only the trading success Vue has seen at Castle Quarter, but also its confidence in the repositioning that we have successfully implemented over recent years. Castle Quarter is Norwich’s leading social, leisure and lifestyle destination, and we look forward to continuing to work with Vue to ensure it remains the go-to choice for the city’s cinemagoers.”
Dave Windross, Head of Property at Vue UK & Ireland, added: “We’re delighted to have committed to a further 20 years at Castle Quarter following the extensive refurbishment of Vue Norwich, working hand-in-hand with asset managers RivingtonHark. The recent improvements include adding more than 800 luxury leather recliner seats and a ‘new-look’ foyer to ensure we continue to provide our customers with the very best big screen experience.”
Riverside Shopping Centre Demolition Progresses with Key Milestone
Rapid Progress in Demolition of Riverside Shopping Centre in Shrewsbury
The demolition of the Riverside Shopping Centre in Shrewsbury is advancing rapidly, with a significant milestone achieved last week – the successful removal of two pedestrian bridges. This marks an important step in the ongoing redevelopment of the site.
To ensure the safety and efficiency of the operation, temporary road closures were implemented, allowing the work to be completed swiftly and without disruption. Shropshire Council and RivingtonHark would like to extend their sincere thanks to the local community and businesses for their continued support throughout this phase of the project.
Looking ahead, the site is scheduled to be fully cleared by early 2025.
Following the demolition, construction of the new park and enabling works will commence and run through 2025 and early 2026. An outline planning application is due to be submitted shortly which will pave the way for the next stages of this ambitious regeneration project, which promises to breathe new life into the area, enhancing both the local environment and economy.
RivingtonHark appoints Development Manager to work on new instructions
Matt Jones joins as Development Manager
Matt Jones has joined RivingtonHark as a Development Manager to work on a growing portfolio of complex mixed use urban regeneration schemes. He brings over 10 years of cross-sector experience to the team and most recently worked on the development and regeneration of The Arch Company’s portfolio, owned by Blackstone and Telereal Trillium. Here he completed numerous projects, delivering office, retail, F&B, residential and industrial schemes.
Prior to this, Matt has worked in Acquisition/Development, Investment Agency and Valuation roles at BizSpace, Lambert Smith Hampton and Cushman & Wakefield with a UK-wide focus. He is passionate about the regeneration of under-utilised urban areas and brings a depth of cross-sector and multi-discipline experience to the team.
Drive Lounge Starts It Engines At Norwich's Castle Quarter
RivingtonHark are delighted to see Drive Lounge 'start its engines' at Castle Quarter, Norwich's top social and leisure destination!
Drive Lounge is a new virtual motorsports concept fusing cutting-edge racing simulation. The virtual driving experience operator has taken unit UU08, located on the ground of Castle Quarter and totalling 1,606 sq ft on a trial six-month licence. As well as multi-format racing simulators, Drive Lounge also provides drinks and snacks offered to gamers between drives. Castle Quarter is its first location within a city centre scheme.
Will Ashdown, Asset Manager at RivingtonHark, said: “Gaming experiences such as Drive Lounge are at the cutting edge of the competitive socialising and leisure sectors, and as such it is fantastic to see its arrival at Castle Quarter, further expanding the range of entertainment options it has to offers. That this is Drive Lounge’s first in-centre operation highlights the success of the repositioning we have undertaken, putting a greater emphasis on the social, leisure and lifestyle options that offer a new role for city centre destinations.”
Roche and Jamieson Mills are the retained agents on Castle Quarter.
Landmark deal achieved for Royal Victoria Place, Tunbridge Wells
Primark Acquire Old BHS Unit
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council can confirm that Primark is to open a store in Royal Tunbridge Wells following the retailer’s purchase of the former BHS building in the centre of the town.
In 2023 the Council acquired the Royal Victoria Place shopping centre and has been working hard, together with their Asset and Development Manager RivingtonHark, to bring new brands into the town. The arrival of the hugely popular retailer Primark, who will trade on two floors of a site that extends into the shopping centre, is viewed as another significant step in the revitalisation of the town centre.
A key part of our Leasing Strategy for Royal Victoria Place was to bolster the fashion offering with a landmark anchor tenant. This letting is a turning point in the vitality of the centre and will act as a bedrock for leasing and investment into the scheme. We see clear synergies with Primark’s offer and our current tenants and are confident that their arrival will further facilitate growth and opportunities.
Primark Director of Sales for London & the South East, Philippa Nibbs said:
“We are thrilled to be opening a new store in Tunbridge Wells. We know our customers have wanted a Primark here for a long time, so we can’t wait to open the doors and let our customers shop the products they know and love closer to home. Works will be underway soon and we will update in due course, but in the meantime, customers can shop at our nearby Maidstone and Crawley stores.”
Cllr Justine Rutland, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s Chair of the Investment Advisory Panel and Cabinet member for Economic Development said:
‘We are delighted to be welcoming Primark to Tunbridge Wells. It was really important to us to see the former BHS unit filled with a store that many residents, especially young people, have been asking for, and which will complement existing businesses. Its arrival will create jobs and lead to a significant increase in footfall, bringing economic benefits to the town and the wider borough. Where Primark goes, other retailers follow, so this is a great reason to be cheerful for the future of the town centre.’
Lee Colyer, the Council’s Director of Finance Policy & Development said:
“The Council has played an important role in encouraging Primark to become the permanent occupant of the former BHS site in Royal Tunbridge Wells. Residents and businesses have been calling for Primark to have a presence in the town centre and this will provide a tremendous boost to the local economy and will link neatly with the recently acquired Royal Victoria Place shopping centre.
Primark will be making a significant investment which we hope will encourage other businesses to also recognise that the prospects for Tunbridge Wells town centre have never looked better.”
Primark is expected to begin its refurbishment of the site imminently. Details about an opening date will be communicated by the company in due course.
