NEW MANAGER FOR THE MEADS TO HELP DRIVE FARNBOROUGH’S RETAIL AND BUSINESS GROWTH

St. Modwen, the UK’s leading regeneration specialist, has appointed Gavin Vidler as manager of The Meads in Farnborough.  His remit is to help drive the success of, among others, Kingsmead shopping centre, high street shops in Queensmead and The Meads Business Centre. 

“I join at an exciting time for Farnborough, with a planning application currently being considered for a new cinema and restaurant development in Kingsmead and with the Meads Business Centre being enhanced by a new ground-floor reception and tenant facilities,” says Gavin.  “I’ll be bringing my experience and insight to ensure we continue to have a dynamic and thriving retail and business space in the heart of Farnborough.”    

Gavin joins from Criterion Capital where he managed Slough’s Queensmere Observatory and London’s Kingsland Shopping Centre.  In his new role, he will manage The Meads’ 70 retailers and form part of the St. Modwen team attracting new shops into Farnborough.  He will also oversee the Meads Business Centre, located in the heart of the Meads development, which has recently benefited from a new ground-floor reception area and improved conferencing / meeting room facilities. 

Gavin is currently setting up a diverse events programme at The Meads and will shortly announce details of activities planned to celebrate Mother’s Day and Easter. 

The Meads and the Meads Business Centre are owned by Key Property Investments, a joint venture between St. Modwen and Salhia Real Estate which is also delivering Farnborough town centre’s regeneration.  The first and second phases have been successfully completed and have seen Sainsbury’s, Travelodge, New Look and JD Wetherspoon take space in a revitalised and attractive town centre.  A planning application for the next phase, including a new seven-screen cinema, new restaurants and other facilities is currently being considered by Rushmoor Borough Council.