You are viewing your 1 free article this month. Login to read more articles.
Foyles to open Chelmsford store
Foyles is set to open a 4,300 sq ft shop in Chelmsford later in the year.
Property developer Aquila said it has secured a pre-let agreement with Foyles for its Bond Street retail scheme in Chelmsford city centre, scheduled to open in September this year.
It is the first branch of the bookseller to open in the East of England and the third store outside London after Bristol and Birmingham.
John Browne, finance director and head of real estate at Foyles, said: “We are looking forward to bringing the Foyles experience to Chelmsford in September, and to joining such an impressive lineup of retailers that are making the move to Bond Street. Customers can expect to enjoy an extensive range of books, stationery and gifts, as well as exclusive author events, family activities, and of course our renowned service from experienced booksellers.”
The bookshop will be set across two floors and host an instore café. Foyles said it would build on the innovations introduced in its Bristol and Birmingham stores to create a "physical environment enhanced by digital technology".
The Bond Street development comprises 250,000 sq ft of retail and leisure plus a 275-space basement car park. Foyles will be joining new retail brands to the city for the first time including John Lewis, the anchor store, occupying approximately 120,000 sq ft, Joules, Fat Face, Monsoon, White Stuff and Schuh.
The shopping centre will also have an Everyman boutique cinema in it and a range of restaurants including Byron Hamburgers, Bills, ASK Italian, trans-American cocktail bar and diner Coast To Coast as well as Las Iguanas.
Tony Chambers, founder and chairman of Aquila, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming such an established and popular brand as Foyles to Chelmsford’s Bond Street scheme. The growing list of retailers choosing to take space in the new shopping and leisure development is a clear testament to the vibrant new destination we are creating, which will serve the thriving mix of people living and visiting the area”.
