One of UK’s leading asset managers appoint architects to unlock The Thistles Shopping Centre’s full potential
At a time when retail and consumer behaviours are changing rapidly, Scoop, one of the UK’s leading asset managers specialising in retail and shopping centre assets, has today announced the appointment of POD Architects to start the reconfiguration and ‘future-proofing’ of The Thistles Shopping Centre in Stirling to realise its potential in a post-pandemic world.
The Stirling shopping centre was acquired in December 2020 and provides over 500,000 square feet of retail space, with a total of 90 units. It is home to several major anchor tenants including Next, Boots and Primark and lies at the heart of the City community.
Non-essential retail is scheduled to reopen its doors at The Thistles Shopping Centre on 26th April, as restrictions are lifted in Scotland. A significantly brighter future is predicted for retail in 2021, against a background of retailers recording their worst annual sales performance figures on record in 2020.
Award-winning practice, POD Architects, has been appointed to creatively realise the reconfiguration of vacant spaces, meet operational needs and respond to the changing dynamics affecting all shopping centres. The goal will be to re-anchor and future-proof The Thistles.
Scoop is consulting with the city’s key stakeholders to identify Stirling’s main priorities and needs, and to establish how the shopping centre can best cater for the local community’s evolving requirements. These stakeholders have made helpful contributions to the plans and the vision of what the future holds.
Mark Hewett, Director at Scoop commented: “The high-street is expected to take on a very different form post-Covid and we now have an exciting opportunity to shape the future of the Thistles. Future-proofing is vital to ensure primary shopping centres remain relevant and a place where people want to be – they will be about far more than just shopping. We are looking forward to evolving The Thistles Shopping Centre to ensure it remains the beating heart of the city.
“The Thistles Shopping Centre is an important asset for Stirling, and is set to provide benefits for the City and the surrounding community for generations to come.”
Paul Shedden, Founder of POD Architects added: “Over the years the requirements for retail, and shopping centres in particular, have changed as more and more people seek superior shopping experiences to draw them out of their homes. We aim to produce creative and exciting destinations which draw people in. We look forward to embarking on this exciting journey with Scoop.”
