Land Securities has today revealed details of the redevelopment of the Plaza at Bluewater, Europe’s leading retail and leisure destination.
Designed to enhance the Plaza experience for guests, the plans include the creation of four new screens for Bluewater’s Showcase Cinema de Lux, as well as three new restaurants, and two new leisure spaces.
Work has already begun on-site and is due for completion by Christmas this year.
As part of its upsize to 17-screens, Showcase Cinema de Lux is adding a large format XPlus auditorium with a supersized screen that will providecrystal clear projection, ultra-sharp image quality, and the brightest 3D experience, as well as a Dolby Atmos™ sound system; the ultimate multidimensional sound experience. In addition, guests will be able to enjoy films in the comfort of new fully electric recliners in every screen.
The three restaurants are situated at the end of the Plaza on the upper level, overlooking the central space with its 14 existing restaurants. Ranging in size from 2,500 sq ft to 3,800 sq ft, the three restaurant units are being targeted at operators that add to the Plaza’s existing offer, which is focused on entertainment dining. Land Securities is already in detailed discussions with several leading brands.
The two leisure spaces are situated separately on the upper and lower levels and are of approximately 24,000 sq ft and 10,000 sq ft respectively. Land Securities is currently exploring several innovative leisure concepts for the spaces that will add to Bluewater’s unique day-out experience.
Russell Loveland, Portfolio Director at Land Securities, co-owner and asset manager of Bluewater, said, “Evolving Bluewater’s offer to provide a day-out experience for guests unavailable elsewhere in the South East is our priority. The upsizing of Showcase, the creation of three further restaurants, and the addition of two new exciting leisure concepts means we will continue to offer something different on every visit.”
Duncan Short, Senior Vice President, US & International Operations, Showcase Cinemas, commented on the new screens: “Across our multinational estate, our core strategy is to offer a fully customisable guest experience. We are committed to leading innovation in the industry, and the expansion and upgrade of our flagship Bluewater Cinema de Lux will further enhance its standing as one of the finest cinemas in the UK.”
The development news follows recent announcement that Missguided is to open its second store in the UK on Bluewater’s lower Rose Gallery. The 16,000 sq ft store opens this spring.
CBRE, Time Retail Partners and Shelley Sandzer act for Bluewater. Showcase dealt direct.