A series of new food outlets will open at the opposite end of the centre to intu Watford’s extension, along Ketts Mall near Gourmet Burger Kitchen, with construction work starting from February.
The redesigned interior will transform the space into a relaxed, communal dining experience featuring giant pods where groups of friends, family members and the high number of office-workers in Watford will be able to enjoy a bite to eat together.
Five new grab-and-go caterers will take space there to further enhance and complement the centre’s casual dining experience. With nearby brands like John Lewis and the popular climbing operator Rock Up, the new area will create a strong retail and leisure mix at both ends of intu Watford.
The £1 million investment follows the launch of the stunning 400,000 sq ft extension which has introduced new restaurants, such as Yo!Sushi, TGIs and MOD Pizza, leisure operators, including IMAX Cineworld & Hollywood Bowl and stores from a three-storey Debenhams to H&M, Superdry and Jack Wills. It has created a day out destination and has promoted Watford into a top 20 retail location in property consultancy CACI’s national ranking. The rest of intu Watford has also undergone a £13 million refurbishment programme with work to replace flooring, ceilings and lighting and refurbish the centre’s car parks and toilets.
Rebecca Ryman, regional managing director at intu, said: “Every area of the centre has been refurbished as part of our strategy to establish intu Watford as a leading day and night out destination and this is the latest phase in our plans to create an even better customer experience and more opportunities for the brands there to thrive.
“We wanted to complement the casual dining experience at intu Watford’s new retail and leisure extension with an equally strong grab-and-go food offering at the other side of the centre that will capitalise on its 14 million a year footfall and the vast numbers of office workers in the town. The mall-space is being completely redesigned with an inviting communal dining experience that will increase dwell time and drive footfall to our new food outlets as well as nearby retail and leisure brands like John Lewis and new climbing operator Rock Up.”
Vicki Costello, general manager at intu Watford said: “It is an exciting time for intu Watford as we continue to bring new and popular brands to the centre, and more range for our customers. We now offer a highly attractive day out experience, which is proving to be a huge attraction for people visiting from further afield. The new food outlets will bring even more choice, plus the environment we’re creating will give our visitors a relaxed and welcoming place to take time out of their busy lives.”
intu Watford’s extension continues to open new retailers in 2019 and will see the likes of Cote Brasserie and bar and restaurant brand The Florist open, plus more to be announced.
