WILKINSON FIRST STORE TO SIGN UP FOR £100 MIL HATFIELD TOWN CENTRE

Wilkinson has signed an agreement with St Modwen to take one of the major stores within the proposed £100 million Hatfield town centre redevelopment scheme.

The pre-letting of the 28,000 sq ft store, which will be located on the site of the current Royal Mail sorting office, is an important step in bringing forward the regeneration of the town centre.

The proposed eight-acre development in partnership with Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council and English Partnership, will comprise 13,935 sq m (150,000 sq ft) of shops, bars and restaurants, an indoor market hall, a 575-space multi-storey car park, community facilities including a Primary Care facility, a bus interchange and 275 apartments.

Rupert Wood, head of St Modwen's Northern Home Counties regional office,St Albans, said: "We are pleased to have signed Wilkinson to be one of the main retail occupiers in the town centre.

"The economic climate has changed considerably since the start of the year and has made it a very challenging environment to work in. Securing agreements with retailers is of course key to progressing this project. We are also in detailed negotiations with a number of retailers looking to come to Hatfield."

Ian Bartlett of Wilkinson, said: "Notwithstanding the current economic climate, Hatfield has long been a requirement of ours so we are pleased to secure a unit in the town centre."

Bob Jewell, chief resource officer, Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, said:
"Whilst the economic climate is uncertain and challenging, we are all committed to delivering regeneration to Hatfield town centre."

For further information contact Rupert Wood of St Modwen (01727 732690).
Issued by Paul Raymer of Howle Chapman Raymer (0121 313 1000).
Ref: MOD/67/08