RivingtonHark, acting as retained asset managers on behalf of Southend City Council, are pleased to announce two new lettings and a store extension on the first floor of the 315,000 sqft (29,275 sq m) Victoria Shopping Centre.

Ska Optical (trading as The Glasses Shop) will occupy the 643 sq ft Unit F15 space, whilst Camelot Wargaming will move into the 1,014 sq ft Unit F35 on the first floor of the shopping centre.

Alongside the new lettings, local business Dr Drip, has agreed to double the size of its store expanding its retail area from 600 sq ft to 1,200 sq ft. This follows the success of The Bridge competition, a partnership between Victoria Shopping Centre, Southend City Council, and SaveTheHighStreet.org, which offers white boxed retail units to local high street entrepreneurs.

Other local independent retailers to benefit from The Bridge include Indi Rock, Create 98 Two, Princess Emporium, Victoria Café, Teddy Station and Brazil Arte.

These independent local businesses help to complement the more established brands such as Boots, Next, Peacocks, Poundland, New Look, Starbucks, Metro Bank and B&M.

Ollie Holland, Asset Manager for the shopping centre commented: “These new arrivals, alongside the increased commitment by Dr Drip, highlight our strategy of diversifying the occupier line-up to create a more resilient mixed-use destination. The Bridge competition has proved to be hugely successful in supporting not only local operators but also drawing in shoppers eager to back local businesses.

“Victoria Shopping Centre is a perfect example of how RivingtonHark works with local authorities to transform town and city centre retail destinations into well-performing assets which support the community and boost the local economy.”