Aquila announced that 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.
Foyles has exchanged contracts on a 4,300 sq ft store and will provide shoppers the opportunity to purchase book titles of all genres from the award-winning independent bookstore group.
Foyles Bond Street, Chelmsford will be the first branch of the world-famous bookseller opening in the East of England and the third store outside London after Bristol and Birmingham. Foyles’ long and celebrated history in London makes their expansion into this thriving city on the capital’s doorstep the natural next stage in the growth of the business.
Set across two floors, Chelmsford customers will also find an instore café, exclusive events with bestselling authors, children’s creative activities, book clubs and live music. Foyles will focus on putting the customer experience at the heart of the new shop, building on the innovations introduced in Bristol and Birmingham 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 experience will also be enhanced by a quality leisure offering including an Everyman boutique cinema and a range of eateries including Byron Hamburgers, Bills, ASK Italian, trans-American cocktail bar and diner Coast To Coast as well as Las Iguanas.
The combination of this open-air shopping environment, riverside restaurants, cinema and landscaped public space will ensure that Bond Street complements the current retail offer in Chelmsford.
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”.
John Browne, Finance Director and head of real estate at Foyles commented:
“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.”
