The Mailbox’s redeveloped retail space will open in phases from July – starting with the opening of the expanded Harvey Nichols store.
That will be followed by a number of new store launches at the shopping centre over the summer period.
The Mailbox’s major relaunch follows a £50 million redevelopment, which has included adding a roof and expanding the Harvey Nichols anchor store.
A host of major changes are currently way to transform the Mailbox’s retail lineup, store frontages and office space.
The new retail mall, including the sky-lit Urban Room at the heart of the development – which is being created to provide visitors with a comfortable place to relax, gather and dine in a stress-free environment, all under-cover – will be officially unveiled during a celebration event in September.
The final part of the sky-lit glass roof was put in place in December, a feature that is seen as a key part of the new Mailbox, as it will protect visitors from the unpredictable British weather.
The Maibox’s transformation was initiated by owners Milligan and Brockton Capital after acquiring the shopping centre in 2011.
The new owners decided a more compelling retail offer was needed and an improved environment was essential, particularly the addition of a roof.
John Milligan, CEO of Milligan said: “Following the exciting launches of Everyman Cinema and Gas Street Social we know that there is huge anticipation about the new retail space at the Mailbox.
“By aligning our schedule with the other major openings in the city, our retailers will benefit from the expected influx of discerning customers to Birmingham at a crucial time in their trading cycle.”
Simon Samuels, partner at Brockton Capital added: “This will enable us to finalise with the city a number of planned improvements to the public realm surrounding the Mailbox and will tie in with the planned completion of our refurbished office space in late summer which will bring all of the development work to a close and ensure that our visitors have the best possible experience.”
The Mailbox will be home to a programme of special events over the summer for visitors to enjoy, including Birmingham International Jazz Festival and a series of performances by the CBSO as well as showcasing its restaurant refreshes – Gourmet Burger Kitchen, The Oriental, Nandos and Strada.
Source: Birmingham Post online
