Pictured: Caroline Smith
Retail property specialists from Midlands' law firm Harvey
Ingram advised and negotiated leases for four national names ahead
of the opening of new £14.5bn Olympic shopping complex,
Westfield Stratford City.
The site sits right next to the Olympic Park in East London and
has now become Europe's largest urban shopping centre with more
than 300 stores, 70 restaurants, three hotels, a 14-screen cinema,
bowling alley and the UK's largest casino.
Caroline Smith, partner and head of retail, along with
specialist retail consultant Richard Miller, carried out
negotiations on behalf of key clients Vision Express, Timpson,
Paperchase and Jones Bootmaker.
Caroline Smith says: "Timescales were very tight with everything
hinging on Westfield Stratford City's pre-agreed, high-profile
opening date. Given the complexity of the various leasing
arrangements, the acquisitions were challenging, but they were all
completed in time to enable the stores to open on the centre
opening date. It's very satisfying to play a part in such a
prestigious development that creates a legacy which helps ensure
the area thrives for generations to come."
The shopping complex will create 18,000 jobs and with 95% of its
1.9 million square feet now let, it is anticipated that more than
70 per cent of spectators attending London 2012 will pass through
the mall to get to the Olympics' main venues.
For more information about Harvey Ingram, please visit their
website here: www.harveyingram.com