LaSalle Investment Management, the real estate investment manager, has completed a major refurbishment of the Lion Walk shopping centre in Colchester. 

The 200,000 square foot shopping centre is home to 35 of Britain’s most popular retailers.

LaSalle purchased Lion Walk in 2008 on behalf of its LaSalle UK Ventures Fund and immediately set about planning the GBP1.5m refurbishment of the 1970s designed site in order to upgrade and modernise the fabric and common areas. 

An Apple re-seller has committed to a unit at 7 Lion Walk and a new flagship Topshop/Topman is due to open at 20/21 Culver Walk in the autumn. 

Paul Till, national director, LaSalle Investment Management, says: “When we purchased the Lion Walk shopping centre it was clear that there was an opportunity to redesign and refurbish this prime location to enhance the asset and improve the shopping experience. However, it was important that any work reflected the heritage of the city and provided a timeless quality, reducing the requirement for additional capital investment in future years. We were also determined to get maximum value for money for our investors.”

LaSalle worked with local architects Stanley Bragg, project manager Bourne Wood Partnership and agents GCW. ISG Jackson completed the work on a design and build contract. 

The refurbishment works included new public realm works of Yorkshire paving, lighting, street furniture, soft landscaping and branding; re-pointing all brickwork in Lion Walk and buildings connected to the scheme; removal of the tile hanging façades and replacement with a modular glass and render system with a render band; removal of brown timber soffits and replacement with white opaque glass; new glass walkway canopies; new BHS storey extension and feature entrance; new corner display windows at the first floors; combination of retail units to provide larger spaces; and new shop fronts/

Following positive feedback from retailers, the general public, agents and the local authority, LaSalle has entered the project for a BCSC Gold Award.