Princesshay, Exeter's new shopping Quarter, opens

Date: 19 Sep 2007

Local celebrity and radio presenter Judi Spiers will welcome shoppers before the official opening at 9.30am, when the Lord Mayor of Exeter, Councillor Hazel Slack will cut the ribbon.  Residents and visitors to the South West will then be able to explore and enjoy the region’s exciting new shopping and restaurant quarter in full for the first time, with stores trading until 9 pm today.

Sally Henley,  Princesshay Manager said, ‘After 5 years of planning, Princesshay is open. We believe the irresistible range of shopping, restaurants and cafes, together with the heritage city location, will be a big draw for shoppers and visitors to the region, and those keen to enjoy a unique and exceptional shopping experience.’

A dynamic and eclectic mix of street entertainers will perform throughout the day including magicians, stilt walkers, street theatre, comedy acts and musicians with entertainment continuing on Saturday and Sunday.  Princesshay’s building designs, inter-connecting streets, pedestrianised open spaces and public art, together with the views of the Cathedral and Roman City Wall, create a distinctly European atmosphere where shoppers and visitors can relax and enjoy the ambience of the vibrant new city centre environment.

The £225 million Princesshay scheme, delivered by Land Securities in partnership with Exeter City Council, represents the single largest investment in the history of the city, creating more than 1500 new jobs.   

John Harvey, City Centre Manager said,  ‘Princesshay represents an exciting new chapter for the city.  Its completion is a real endorsement of a partnership and close working relationship that has delivered a scheme of which we are all exceptionally proud.’

Final planning consent for Princesshay was granted in 2003,  with the scheme in construction a further 4 years. In January 2005 contractor, Sir Robert McAlpine, began the main programme of work to build the development. Demolition started in April 2005 and by December 2006,  the department store building in Bedford Street had been handed over to Debenhams for fit out, the first in this influential project.

Princesshay is set to have a huge impact on the South West, when some of the most dynamic fashion and lifestyle retailers in the industry open their doors for the first time.

The scheme has transformed the city centre retail line-up, with over sixty new shops, cafés and restaurants, as well as the delivery of 123 apartments, further increasing the city’s sense of  vibrancy and confidence.

Following extensive research, Land Securities specifically targeted key retailers that were new to Exeter, creating a brand new shopping quarter unlike any other in the country. The development philosophy of Princesshay has been to complement an exciting mix of fashion brands with a lively mix of independent, speciality and niche retailers, delivering a distinctive retail experience.

John Grimes, Land Securities Retail Leasing Director said, ‘We have tried to attract a wide spectrum of retailers to Princesshay, currently not available anywhere else in the South West. We hope residents and visitors alike will be pleased with the many new shops and restaurants on offer and enjoy visiting the historic city.’

With 95% of the scheme let on opening, Princesshay has focused on bringing aspirational fashion retailers to Exeter including Karen Millen, Zara, All Saints, LK Bennett, Hobbs, Coast, Faith, La Senza, Jane Norman and Reiss.  As well as offering larger opportunities for anchor store Debenhams, Next and Top Shop, Fat Face  will open its ‘fattest ever UK store’.   Caroline Charles, Beaverbrooks The Jewellers, AllSaints and Cult Clothing are the latest additions to the list of prestigious retailers, stylish restaurants and cafes. 

The majority of local and regional independent retailers are located in Roman Walk and Bedford Street with the mix including an optician, a jeweller, a delicatessen and contemporary florist. 

Local and regional retailers include Orange Tree, a high quality homestyle products and gifts retailer and the largest independently owned store in the development; South West jeweller Carol Anne; award winning, contemporary lifestyle store Inside Out; exclusive fashion retailer AH Moda; Mediterranean delicatessen Chandos and contemporary florist Stem.  Each of these stores bring an exciting element to this unique development.

One major brand name making a first appearance in the South West is international computer specialist Apple, a significant endorsement for Exeter as a regional shopping destination.

Princesshay also includes a superb new café and restaurant culture for Exeter residents and visitors to enjoy. New restaurants to the city include Giraffe with their first outlet in the South West and Exeshed a stylish independent restaurant and cocktail bar. Five other restaurants throughout the Princesshay quarter include Nando’s, Strada, Café Rouge, La Tasca and Wagamama.

Sally Henley, Princesshay Manager said, ‘Whether it’s simply enjoying a Costa coffee or sipping a citron pressé at Café Rouge, with the stunning Cathedral as a backdrop, Princesshay restaurants and cafés cater to every taste. It’s the ideal way to refresh before heading back to the shops for exceptional retail therapy!’