GENR8 Developments has agreed a deal to bring major fashion retailer H&M to Rochdale’s £80m retail and leisure development, Rochdale Riverside.
The Swedish multinational retail giant will occupy a circa 22,500 sq ft unit across two floors within the scheme on a 10-year lease, adjacent to Next.
Known for its fast-fashion clothing for men, women, teenagers and children, H&M and its associated companies operate in 62 countries with over 4,500 stores.
Delivered in a joint venture between Genr8 and Kajima in partnership with Rochdale Borough Council, Rochdale Riverside comprises approximately 200,000 sq ft (60,970 sq m) of retail and leisure accommodation in the centre of the town.
This deal marks another major step forward for the scheme, which will bring 24 new retail and leisure units and a six-screen cinema to the heart of Rochdale town centre. Work continues at pace on site is scheduled to complete on schedule Easter 2020.
Additional occupiers to have signed-up to take space at the scheme include, Boots, JD Sports, M&S, River Island and Reel cinemas.
Mike Smith, partner at Genr8 Developments said: “We are really pleased to agree a deal to bring H&M to Riverside. This is exactly the calibre of retail offering we are looking to bring to the scheme. The tenant mix we have already attracted will only be complemented by this deal.
“The scheme is now over 60% let and with works continuing to forge ahead, completion and launch will soon be upon us.”
Cllr Allen Brett, leader of Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Rochdale Riverside is a major part of our ongoing £400m regeneration programme, which is creating a thriving town centre that people increasingly want to visit and spend time in. It’s clear that Rochdale is on the up.
“H&M is a great addition to this scheme, and we expect their presence will encourage other potential occupiers to come on board. I’m pleased to see this landmark project reach another key milestone and we look forward to making more positive announcements.”
Cheetham & Mortimer and Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) are joint agents on the scheme.
Tim Letts, director at LSH said: “This is a massive endorsement for the town and the Rochdale Riverside development. Securing an international brand such as H&M, which is widely regarded as one of the premier fashion facias, is a fantastic boost for everyone involved.”