Bristol's Cabot Circus celebrates first year anniversary

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Friday, September 25, 2009
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This is Bristol

A year to the day after it opened in Bristol, almost 95 per cent of the 150 shop sites in Cabot Circus have been let.

Eleven new tenants have recently opened stores or are set to open in the centre and nearby parts of Broadmead run by Cabot Circus management.

The new stores will together create about 100 jobs, adding to the 3,780 already created in Bristol's newest shopping centre.

Centre bosses say more than 50 per cent of these posts were filled by local people who were previously unemployed.

Recently-opened shops include The Disney Store, on Brigstowe Street, which opened in June, and Tie Rack, on George White Street level two, which opened last month.

Newsagent News Hut opened its doors on the

Horsefair two months ago, while Specsavers the optician also opened its new flagship store for the South West on Merchant Street about five weeks ago.

Cabot Circus's already burgeoning fashion scene will be boosted by the opening in the near future of some high-fashion stores.

Womenswear designer James Lakeland is set to open in Quakers Friars, while due to open in Concorde Street in December is Hollister Co, joining Urban Outfitters and American Apparel.

Designer menswear outlet Luke 1977 has also leased a store on the Horsefair.

New baguette shop Boulangerie will help shoppers stave off their hunger in Concorde Street, while a new Currys shop on George White Street will sell the latest in electronics.

New to Penn Street is Kuoni Travel, the UK market leader in long-haul travel, as well as Colonel Mustard by Bristol-based retailer William Francis.

Cabot Circus bosses say the new shops will help make for an even better shopping experience.

James Bailey, Cabot Circus centre manager, said: "We are delighted to be welcoming these new tenants, which offer wide appeal and will continue to attract visitors to Bristol's revitalised city centre.

"Although 2009 has been a challenging year for retailers nationally – and we have indeed seen some store closures – this latest surge of lettings from well-respected brands demonstrates continued confidence in Bristol.

"Indeed, our latest figures show that Cabot Circus is now almost 95 per cent let, which is well above the national average. The new jobs created will also provide a welcome boost to the city's economy."

The new retailers are also delighted to be in Bristol's newest shopping district.

Prior to its Cabot Circus opening, Tie Rack only had one Bristol shop, in The Mall at Cribbs Causeway, after the one on the Triangle closed down.

Becky Prideaux, manager of Tie Rack in Cabot Circus, said: "This is a great opportunity for us to be back in the city centre and in the heart of Bristol.

"Tie Rack is trying to change its image from not just being a place where people look for ties, but all types of accessories from gloves and scarves to ladies' handbags, pashminas and cufflinks.

"It is great to be back in among other fabulous stores, and it is good to be at the heart of somewhere that is not only accessible for lots of people but also high market."

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40 Comments

  • Profile image for This is Bristol

    by Mike Ford, Bristol

    Saturday, September 26 2009, 12:01AM

    “This isn't Mike Ford, I'm just testing his unlikely assertion about ¿(¿¿¿¿¿)¿,appearing after his name when imposters post in his name”

  • Profile image for This is Bristol

    by amanda, redland

    Friday, September 25 2009, 8:20PM

    “quote "I dont think we have to worry about Bath, i doubt anything good has ever came out of that place!" Mike Ford, Bristol .....CAME out of that place???? this poster cannot be the real MF. mike is after all literate”

  • Profile image for This is Bristol

    by Annette Hennessy, Portishead

    Friday, September 25 2009, 8:04PM

    “Dave Harvey, BBC West Business Correspondent summed up the "money mens'" thinking behind Cabot Circus on Radio Bristol this morning. That is Cabot Circus is a shopping centre and is supposed to be full of shops with the sole intention to make lots of money. The business people behind it do not want people to gather in the area and stay all day without spending - they want them to come, spend money and move on. James, those who wish to worship whatever religion they choose to, already have designated places to do so - Shopping centres are not the place for it. Personally I prefer Broadmead or The Mall to Cabot Circus and as for contemplation, it really is a case of finding what I need as quickly as possible, purchasing it and getting home again.”

  • Profile image for This is Bristol

    by Radley, WSM

    Friday, September 25 2009, 7:54PM

    “Well that cut all the comments dead!”

  • Profile image for This is Bristol

    by James Carmichael, Highridge

    Friday, September 25 2009, 4:26PM

    “Whilst I enjoy Cabot Circus, it does worry me that with such a large site they've not made any room for a place of religious and spiritual contemplation. Broadmead has the Church over the Shops and Cabot Circus could do the same.

    As a committed Evangelical Christian, I know it's important that we do all we can to ensure the love and guidance of Jesus's true ministry is given ample voice in today's consumer society, so that all can hear Him and be touched by Him.”

  • Profile image for This is Bristol

    by Andy, Nailsea

    Friday, September 25 2009, 2:40PM

    “"Boney Maroney"? Now THERE'S a blast from the past!”

  • Profile image for This is Bristol

    by MB, Bristol

    Friday, September 25 2009, 2:35PM

    “Ah yes Mike.... Virgin records before that and Paradise Garage and Boney Maroney for original punk clothes. Probably showing my age now.”

  • Profile image for This is Bristol

    by Nikki, Bristol

    Friday, September 25 2009, 1:43PM

    “LOL, yes David, I think they are turning into a family day. They did the same on opening day of Cabot Circus last year. Unfortunatley you are correct, they are a lot of undesirables in that area, but lets not let them spoilt it for everyone else, will be a nice day tomorrow!”

  • Profile image for This is Bristol

    by Frank Gate, Somerset

    Friday, September 25 2009, 1:09PM

    “Mike Ford told us all this week that if there things after your name they are the imposter. Grow up you fool!”

  • Profile image for This is Bristol

    by Mike Ford ¿(¿¿¿¿¿)¿, Bristol

    Friday, September 25 2009, 1:00PM

    “Yeah Frank, you show me who's boss with your inferior spelling and inability to grasp when it's me writing or someone pretending to be me. You go girlfriend!”

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