Wolverhampton Mander Centre closing discount stores to make way for 'strong fashion brands'

The centre is set to undergo major changes under new bosses Benson Elliot as part of a £25 million overhaul that will create around 200 jobs.

The main feature of the development will be a new 90,000 sq ft Debenhams spanning three floors, which is set to open in October 2017.

The revamp will see around 10 discount stores, including Discount UK, ousted as Benson Elliot attempts to bring 'mid to high end' fashion outlets into the centre.

In total 34 units – 25 of which are currently empty - will be converted into 11 larger stores.

Peter Cornforth, director of retail at Benson Elliot, said it was time for the city to 'move away from the discount culture'.

"The city needs rebalancing in terms of the range of stores on offer," he said.

"We want to offer a better mix that will attract shoppers to the Mander Centre. At the moment the emphasis is very much on a discount store mentality.

"If we can plug the gap and bring strong fashion brands here the change could have a positive effect for the whole city.

"There will still be a place in the city for discount retailers, but we are looking at creating something different in the Mander Centre.

"At the moment Wolverhampton has got a modest retail offer for a relatively large quantity of people."

Mr Cornforth revealed discussions are ongoing with several well known high street retailers, although only Debenhams has committed to the site up to now.

He said: "We have been pitching the centre for 10 weeks and we have some good chats going on.

"I would expect us to be in position to announce new retailers over the next two to three months."

The Tesco Metro store and Greggs will both close to make way for Debenhams, although both retailers could be offered new units in the revamped centre.

Other changes include three large stores of between 17,000 sq ft and 20,000 sq ft that will be built in the Lower Square area, while the lower arcade will close completely.

The link route to the Wulfrun Centre will remain in place and the Central Arcade, which connects the Mander Centre to Dudley Street will be opened up to create a more open through route.

JD Sports has already moved to a new, larger unit on the first floor.

Mr Cornforth said the centre would keep its Mander Centre moniker out of deference to the Mander family's historical connection to the city.

Benson Elliot is involved in similar developments in Preston, Yeovil and Ealing and also bought Eleven Brindleyplace in Birmingham last year.