Good news for the Foot of the Walk where money will be spent by the new owners of the shopping centre to give it a new look.
The Newkirkgate Shopping Centre in Leith is to benefit from a complete renovation and rebrand to enhance the customer experience following a £400k investment from owners, NewRiver Retail.
Having acquired the shopping centre in December 2013, the significant investment from NewRiver Retail will regenerate the Centre.
Phase one of the refurbishment works started in September and included the installation of new stonework above and between each retail unit, additional high level wood cladding, external paintwork and improved lighting. New branding and signage will be installed in the next few weeks.
Phase two of works will begin in early 2015 and will see paving replaced throughout the centre and a new bike rack installed.
Newkirkgate has also welcomed a brand new retailer to the centre, Store TwentyOne, which opened its doors earlier this month bringing eight new jobs to the area.
Store TwentyOne offers shoppers stylish, fashion led clothing and accessories for women, girls, boys and men. It evolved from a manufacturing business established in London in 1932, supplying clothing to the West End and in particular, Marks & Spencer stores. There are now 16 Store TwentyOne stores located across Scotland, three of which are in Edinburgh.
Scott Darroch, centre manager for Newkirkgate Shopping Centre said: “The Newkirkgate has been a part of the Leith community for many decades and plays an important role in providing day to day amenities for our shoppers.
“We are committed to ensuring that the centre moves with the times and continues to provide a relevant offer. The introduction of Store TwentyOne will offer our customers a second clothing retailer and we are excited to welcome them to our line-up.
“We thank our customers, the retailers and the local community for their support whilst our refurbishment works continue.”
Cllr Frank Ross, Convener of the Economy Committee, said: “This is great news, an improved centre and additional retail will provide more employment to people in Leith. The centre is at the heart of the local community and this investment should help to attract more businesses into Leith creating a more vibrant shopping experience for residents and visitors alike.”
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