Gloucester Quays shopping centre plans growth

The £140m Gloucester Quays shopping centre is planning a growth in business despite failing to meet expectations.

The designer outlet centre, which opened in May 2009, had 1.75 million shoppers in its first year. It had expected two million.

In the six months from May 2010, the centre had hoped for 850,000 customers, but saw 750,000 through the doors.

Richard Rawlings, centre manager, said that despite "tough" business they were "looking how to develop the project".

'Worst possible'

Gloucester Quays houses 50 stores in its 70-store capacity and is planning space for an extra 37 businesses.

Mr Rawlings said the timing of the opening could have been "a lot better".

"We opened in the worst possible circumstances."

Mr Rawlings is now positive about growth within the centre. He said: "Businesses are now thinking about expanding, coming out of recession.

"It is a definitely an opportunity for brands to come and talk to us."