intu Watford signs major deal with indoor climbing company

intu has signed indoor adventure climbing operator, Rock Up, to its retail and leisure mix at intu Watford.

Containing over 30 climbing walls towering eight metres, Rock Up is said to offer a climbing experience for customers of all ages. The 8,450 sq ft space will also include a softplay area, café and function rooms for parties.

Located in the centre near John Lewis, Rock Up complements intu’s major multi-million pound refurbishment and extension project, which will create an enlarged 1.4 million sq ft retail and leisure destination when it opens later this year.

Heidi Duckworth, executive chairman at Rock Up, said: “intu Watford is a key destination for the Rock Up brand.

“Not only does Watford’s catchment meet our core demographic providing a family friendly offer, but with 38 million annual visits to Watford high street and 100,000 students within the catchment, there is huge potential for Rock Up.

“It’s an extremely exciting time for us to open this year alongside the many great brands and leisure operators coming to intu Watford.”

Rebecca Ryman, regional managing director of intu, added: “Watford has some of the largest office headquarters in the UK and is also home to the Warner Bros Studio tour, so it’s no surprise that yet another great brand recognises the centre as a key location.

“The great transport connection to Watford allow customers from a wide catchment to visit Rock Up for a fantastic day out experience.”

intu Watford is hoping to change the retail and leisure landscape in the area, and is set to elevate the town alongside Edinburgh and Bristol in CACI’s top 20 national retail destinations ranking.

The 400,000 sq ft retail and leisure extension will host 14 new stores, 11 new restaurants and leisure activities that will cement the centre as a day through to evening destination.