The new boss of Leicester’s Highcross has vowed to add more food and drinks stores to the shopping centre. Michelle Menezes has also revealed her aims for more fashion and beauty brands in her mission to “breathe new life” into the centre.
Ms Menezes, who has been appointed as the Highcross’ centre director, has revealed her aims to introduce a “new image” for the city centre venue in a bid to make it reflect Leicester’s “vibrant pulse”. She has plenty of previous senior retail roles too, most recently as the shopping centre manager at Princesshay in Exeter.
Her ambitious plans aim to build on a year which has seen Castore, Butterwick Bakery and Sunglass Hut join the Highcross, with the potential for more fashion and food retailers on the way. She said: “There’s no doubt that retail continues to face its challenges, and that the centre has its own unique hurdles to overcome, however, my goal, as centre director, is to create an exciting, contemporary and welcoming space that our shoppers are proud of and can’t wait to visit.”
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(Image: K.COOPER / Highcross)
While more retailers are planned, Ms Menezes is also said to be placing a “greater focus on experiences” at the Highcross. Bosses say these will range from pop-up retailers to unique events.
Investments into the Highcross’ infrastructure are also planned. The new centre director will also “drive forward” the planned redevelopment of its entrances. A brand refresh for the Highcross is also planned and set to be rolled out as she looks to engage better with the city’s universities, community groups and local businesses. It’s part of efforts to put the Highcross at the “heart of the city” according to the shopping centre.
Ms Menezes said: “I join at a really pivotal phase in the centre’s existence and I look forward to taking shoppers, the local community, and our teams, on that journey with us. Highcross is more than just a shopping and leisure destination – it’s a place where people come, spend time together and create memories.
“It’s a part of the fabric of Leicester; a place where people have been meeting, working and spending time together for almost 35 years. I am excited that I am in a position to lead the centre through this next chapter, to see it really thrive.”
Ms Menenzes is one of four appointments at the Highcross as it looks to rebrand and refresh. Kirsty Freudenreich joins the shopping centre as its head of operations, Helen Bevins is the centre’s new senior marketing manager, and Lee Woulidge has been appointed technical services manager.
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