The Cornmill Shopping Centre has confirmed that HMV, Tesco, Superdrug, The Works, and H. Samuel are among the leading brands to renew leases at the complex.
The news comes following the openings of Shoezone, which opened in August after moving from Northgate, and Stride Footwear, in the former St Teresa’s Hospice charity shop.
We Buy Any Car also last year opened a new booth next to the car park, in a gated area next to the vehicle entrance ramp.
The renewals and new additions at the centre total over 30,000 sq ft, with footfall numbers exceeding 2.7 million visitors up to November last year.
Zoe France, Centre Manager at the Cornmill Shopping Centre, said “The continued loyalty of our long-standing retailers demonstrates their confidence in the Cornmill and the opportunities it provides.
“We’re thrilled to welcome new tenants who will diversify our offerings and enhance the shopping experience for our visitors.”
There are more brands set to join in the future too, with The Northern Echo revealing in June that American coffee chain Starbucks was poised to take over the former Burger King, after a job advertisement was put out for a new store manager.
Despite the new openings, 2024 did see the closure of the Marks and Spencer Simply Food offering within the Cornmill’s WHSmith store.
No reasoning behind the decision was given, with a spokesperson for the firm saying it reviews its offer in franchise stores “to ensure we have the right products for our customers in the right space at the right time”.
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However, WHSmith and its Post Office remain open as normal.
David Reisner, Director of Davlea Estates, Asset Managers for the Cornmill Centre added: “The Cornmill Centre is a prime example of a well-managed retail destination that continues to evolve and thrive despite challenges in the wider retail sector.
“National retailers staying with us shows the strength of Darlington’s market, and the addition of new tenants highlights its growing appeal.”
