TraffordCity’s Barton Square has been purchased by the original developer of The Trafford Centre.
The 350,000 sq ft retail and leisure complex, which is home to Legoland Discovery Centre, SEA LIFE, and Next Home, has now been acquired by regeneration business Peel L&L following a series of bids on the site.
Barton Square was owned by Intu Properties until the company collapsed into administration last year.
Ownership of the property was then transferred to Barton Square Limited, part of the Trafford Centre group, while a new owner was sought with the assistance of estate agency firm Savills.
Peel L&L, which owns Stockport Retail Park, MediaCityUK, and Trafford Retail Park in Urmston under its placemaking and retail and leisure umbrellas, was originally involved in the development of the Trafford Centre in 1998.
The Barton Square complex, also developed by Peel, opened in 2008 as part of a £70 m extension to the Trafford Centre.
Peel L&P’s Director of Property Investment and Management, Mark Whittaker said: “Peel L&P’s acquisition of Barton Square brings a truly unique and exciting retail and leisure destination to our portfolio.
“Barton Square is a best in class, iconic asset forming a key part of TraffordCity’s high profile and successful portfolio of attractions including Beyond – home of Chill Factore, iFly, Trafford Golf Centre, Dino Falls Adventure Golf and David Lloyd Leisure - all adjacent to The Trafford Centre.
“With plans submitted for a new outdoor surf park - Wave Garden, alongside Therme Resorts bringing a world class health and wellbeing resort to TraffordCity, we’re on the cusp of a transformational new phase for the UK’s foremost experiential and retail destination.”
The complex was redeveloped in 2018 as part of a 110,000 sq ft extension costing £75 m in a bid to make room for further retail and leisure units.
Alongside a 65,000 sq ft Primark store, which opened in June last year, the complex also includes Natuzzi Italia, HomeSense and Silentnight stores.
Elsewhere, the Trafford Centre is also set for a shakeup as Pradera Lateral, a joint venture between shopping centre management specialist Pradera Limited and developer Lateral Property, were recently appointed asset managers of the popular shopping centre.
