Fenwick is to continue operating its Tunbridge Wells town centre store after the independent department store group agreed terms with the local council to remain at its current site in Royal Victoria Place shopping centre.
Fenwick
The lease extension “reflects Fenwick’s confidence in the Tunbridge Wells location and commitment to local community investment”, the retailer told Retail Times.
The agreement comes after Tunbridge Wells Borough Council made “significant improvements” to Royal Victoria Place since acquiring the centre, and was was a “key factor in the re-leasing decision for Fenwick”, the report said.
The department store also “welcomes the council’s emerging development plans for the centre, which promises to strengthen Tunbridge Wells’ position as a leading shopping destination in the South East”.
Tunbridge Wells in Kent is one of Fenwick’s eight locations across the UK, including its Newcastle, which became its sole flagship following its exit from London’s New Bond Street a few years ago, along with stores in Kingston, Brent Cross, Colchester, Canterbury, Bracknell and York.
Hugo Fenwick, retail managing director at Fenwick, said: “This decision reflects not only our confidence in the town as a thriving retail destination, but also our commitment to the local community we’ve been proud to serve since 1992. Both the improvements we’ve seen at Royal Victoria Place together with the Council’s ambitious plans for the Centre gives us considerable optimism for the future.”
Katherine Farish, store manager at Fenwick Tunbridge Wells, added: “Despite the challenging times for the retail sector, we’ve seen such positive momentum in recent months, and the improvements to the centre have created a much better experience for customers. Our team is committed to Tunbridge Wells’ retail future and we look forward to welcoming both existing and new customers through our doors.”
