intu Lakeside makeover to begin ahead of £72m expansion

intu Lakeside is getting a multi-million-pound makeover that will transform the centre in time for the launch of its £72m leisure-led expansion.

The £10m investment will create new entrances and lighting and overhaul mall space linking to the 175,000 sq ft development ahead of several major leisure brands opening there in the summer.

Family entertainment centre Nickelodeon Adventure and indoor mini golf experience Puttshack are among operators to have signed up for space, alongside Hollywood Bowl, trampolining operator Flip Out and new food hall concept The Hall.

Rebecca Ryman, regional managing director at intu, said: “We’re transforming one of the country’s most popular shopping centres into a winning retail and leisure destination and this is creating plenty of opportunities for new and existing operators to thrive here.

“The centre’s leisure-led development will create compelling experiences for customers from across the UK and the rest of intu Lakeside is being totally updated to reflect that sense of excitement.

“intu Lakeside’s retailers are rightfully very ambitious; they see the centre as a destination where they can really flourish, and the improvements we are making really matches their own ambitions for their stores.”

Restaurant brands including Zizzi and TGI Fridays will complete the line-up.

The centre’s transformation has also been welcomed by its retailers who spent £8m on store improvements in 2018, with both Zara and River Island about to open newly-expanded flagship stores.