Latest from King's Walk Shopping Centre
What’s going on at King’s Walk Shopping Centre?
Explore Gloucestershire caught up with Centre Manager, Peter White to find out what’s new at Gloucester’s most established shopping centre in the heart of Gloucester.
So Peter, how long have you been in this job?
I have been at King’s Walk just over 12 months now so this is my 2nd busy festive period.
Are you originally from Gloucester, or could you tell us what attracted you to work here?
No, I live in Warwickshire near Stratford-on-Avon. I wanted to work in a busy City Centre Shopping Centre. I enjoy the challenge of managing the Centre in a tough economic period and dealing with retailers and the public to ensure the smooth operation of the King's Walk.
How many retail units are there in the Centre?
There are approximately 35 retail units in the centre, these include national retailers and some local independents.
What big name stores can you find at King’s Walk?
There is a fantastic range of tenants within King’s Walk including BHS, Primark, River Island, HMV, Jessops, Schuh, WHSmith, Iceland and Costa.
We know that you’re in a great location close to the bus and train stations in Gloucester, but are you easy to reach by car and what parking facilities do you have?
There is plenty of parking in King’s Walk car park and also in the nearby NCP car park off Bruton Way. The Centre is only a short lift ride away from the King’s Walk car park.
Are there any plans in the pipeline for the future?
Our letting agents are working hard to secure more quality retail brands in the centre. We also are trying to extend some of our large fashion retailers as they always need more space. We are also looking forward to seeing plans for the new King’s Quarter development and bus station move forward as these will vastly improve this area of the city.
It appears that even in these difficult times for retailers King’s Walk is attracting more shops to the Centre. Why do you think that this is?
We already have a strong tenant mix within the centre so this helps to attract new retailers. The location is also fantastic as we get all the footfall from the train and bus station.
Kings Square is adjacent to King’s Walk. Are there any plans to develop the Square in the near future and if so what can we expect?
Once the Golden Egg building is demolished in early 2014, there are plans to improve the quality of the King’s Square and hold more events in this area. Working in partnership with Gloucester City Council, we hope to make the square a destination for people to meet and relax.
The Christmas season is now upon us. Is anything special planned for Kings Walk such as visits from Santa perhaps and details of late night shopping?
Yes, Santa is visiting the centre on 16 of December and our late night shopping starts on the 5th December. Shops will be open until 7pm on all Thursdays throughout December. There will be carol singers in the centre during late night opening.
And finally Peter, do you support Gloucester Rugby, and if so who’s your favourite player?
Yes I hope to get to see some matches in 2014 and also really looking forward to the World Cup coming to the city in 2015. I think Billy Twelvetrees is a key player and has made a big impact during his time at the Cherry and Whites.
WIN a PS3 courtesy of HMV
Enter a free competition before 13 December 2013 for your chance to win this fabulous gaming system. Enter now...
Explore Gloucestershire
4 December 2013
For further information.
OTHER NEWS
