Malls owners are showing no sign of slowing down with developments within their centres in 2012 with many key mall owners looking to fuel increase footfall and dwell time by increasing leisure facilities and introducing new stores into the retail mix. Bluewater has recently revealed plans for a multi-million pound redevelopment of The Wintergarden, their fast-food and family dining village. This will be the next stage in the evolution of the mall following the opening of The Plaza and their events venue Glow last year.
Several new brands and retailers are also confirmed to open at Highcross in the next few months as Hammerson's Leicester scheme strengthens both its retail and catering offer, and Hammerson have also submitted a planning application to the London Borough of Croydon for the redevelopment of Centrale shopping centre which would include redesigning a large section of the internal retail space with the purpose of creating a family-friendly quarter and allowing families to spend more time at the mall as a leisure destination.