Wednesday, 27 July 2016 15:23

H&M fashion store to open in spring 2017

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A two-storey H&M fashion store due to open in spring 2017 A two-storey H&M fashion store due to open in spring 2017
After mounting concern about the recent loss of leading retailers, High Barnet’s shopping centre has received a shot in the arm: H&M, the leading Swedish fashion chain, has finally signed up to take the lease of a brand new store in the Spires shopping centre.

Four existing retail outlets in the courtyard nearest the High Street are to be replaced with a new two-storey unit that should be ready for opening in the spring to early summer of next year.

Confirmation that H&M are coming to the Spires is a major boost for Hunter Real Estate Investment which manages the shopping mall on behalf a Canadian pension fund, Alberta Investment Management Corporation.

“The news that a major aspirational fashion chain like H&M are opening up in the Spires should send out a message of confidence to other leading retailers about the attractiveness of High Barnet as a shopping destination,” said a spokesman for Hunter Real Estate.

We are already in discussion with other potential clients, and with Waitrose and now together with H&M as another anchor store, the Spires is a much more attractive draw for shoppers.

Gail Laser, chair of Love Barnet, said she was thrilled with the news. “H&M is one of the most successful international brands offering baby wear up to adult fashion, and hopefully this will be a real draw for other multiples and independents thinking of opening up in High Barnet.”

The new 24,000 square foot H&M store will replace the four units that run from Clinton cards to the Card Factory. Contractors have already been appointed by Hunter Real Estate, and are due to start work at the end of August.

The new store is part of a £7 million upgrade for the Spires that also includes three new restaurants, new paving and courtyard seating areas.

Hunter Real Estate say they are already in discussion with future potential tenants for the new restaurants that are due to be constructed early next year and will be sited at the Waitrose end of the shopping centre.

Other future developments include the possible re-siting of Barnet Market to the paved area beside the Spires’ bandstand.

“We are looking at several possibilities regarding the future of both the market and the bandstand area. One idea is whether we could do more to encourage a farmers’ market.

“We are also in discussion with Legion car parking about the future operation of the Spires car park which currently closes at 8pm, but might open later once we have built the new restaurants.”    

6 comments

  • Comment Link Friday, 05 August 2016 11:15 posted by Jennie Woods

    Whoop whoop!

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  • Comment Link Friday, 05 August 2016 12:33 posted by andrew

    now lets get a waga mamas too!

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  • Comment Link Friday, 05 August 2016 12:49 posted by Kate

    I hope they do actually do something about the parking. The roads behind the Spires are already heaving with visitor traffic. I'd also much rather see new retail than more restaurants.

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  • Comment Link Friday, 05 August 2016 15:46 posted by linda oshea

    When the new restaurants are open and people sitting outside the restaurants enjoying their meals, will all the street drinkers that have been around the spires for months now still be there!!!

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  • Comment Link Friday, 05 August 2016 16:42 posted by Eva

    Farmers Market would be great - we must have some great local producers! It is sad to see the current state of the market now. It has such a history it would be sad to see it disappear.

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  • Comment Link Tuesday, 09 August 2016 13:51 posted by Richard

    Any news on the future of the Coffee Bean and its outdoor seating area? While chasing these shiny new prizes we should also look after those establishments that have served us so well over the years, and the Coffee Bean certainly fits that criteria.

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