Montagu Evans LLP., on behalf of North Somerset Council, has appointed national property consultancy Carter Jonas as the sole leasing agent for Weston-super-Mare town centre shopping complex, The Sovereign.
The Sovereign, which is the town’s primary covered retail destination, has undergone extensive refurbishment in recent years. Complementing its improved retail offer, the remodelled space now includes new, flexible workspaces – with meeting rooms and co-working desks – studios, a bike hub and an independent coffee shop. This transformation is helping to drive more footfall to the popular location, which has direct access to the high street.
The centre comprises approximately 118,000sq ft of enclosed retail space, supported by 850 car parking spaces immediately above, with 40 tenants, including Waterstones, JD Sports, Trespass and Wilko, as well as popular local independents.
Carter Jonas is working with The Sovereign team on several opportunities at the centre, ranging in size from small kiosks to much larger spaces. All will benefit from Class E planning consent, allowing premises to be used for retail, financial and professional services, cafés, restaurants, offices and some medical uses, subject to the landlord’s consent.
Councillor Mark Canniford, executive member for placemaking and economy at North Somerset Council commented: “The renewed offer at the Sovereign makes it the hub of Weston’s town centre with people visiting for work and leisure. Our recent successful bid for £20m from the government’s Levelling Up Fund will help us to transform the town even further, helping to increase footfall and spending, and turning local sites into must-visit destinations. These projects will bring further momentum to already changing perceptions, attract further investment, and create a positive cycle of ongoing change and reinvention. It’s a good time to be in Weston.”
Stuart Williams, partner, commercial, Carter Jonas, commented: “The Sovereign is a great example of how progressive ownership and management can enhance an existing space for the benefit of the community.
“A strong emphasis on placemaking is helping to reposition the centre as a retail and leisure destination as well as a place to plug in and work. This combination is proving effective in attracting even more people into the heart of the town, and we look forward to utilising our expertise, working alongside The Sovereign team, to drive new and exciting businesses to this progressive scheme.”
Kevin White, partner, head of asset and investment advisory at Montagu Evans, commented: “We’re delighted to bring Carter Jonas into the team to support us and North Somerset Council drive the ambitious Super Weston placemaking agenda which pulls together amazing local talent, creativity and entrepreneurship through a diverse cultural, retail, business and leisure offering in a town with one of the largest catchments in the South West.”
