Lend Lease is re-tendering the three-year facilities management contract for Touchwood in Solihull and Bluewater. The brief requires that top quality customer service and value for money are offered at both centres. Head of asset management, Mark Boor, said: “The re-tender provides us with the opportunity to ensure that both continue to act as an industry benchmark.”

Standard Life Investments has completed four new lettings at Whiteleys shopping centre in Bayswater, on behalf of its UK Shopping Centre Trust. Following recent refurbishment works to the centre, Fussy Nation, the fashion and gift boutique, has taken a 10-year lease of 1,500 sq ft on the first floor.

The Outlet designer outlet centre in Banbridge, Northern Ireland, has announced the imminent opening of four new stores. Denby, Trespass, Paco, and Domo Bags have all taken leases to take advantage of the anticipated Christmas ‘Euro’ rush.

Shopping Centre held its first Retail Destinations Forum in Dundrum, Dublin last month. Roger Hobkinson from Locum Consulting discussed experience retail with the cream of Ireland’s retail and shopping centre industry

The Pre-Budget Report has raised hopes that Tax Increment Funding could be on its way to the UK.

Brian Collie, chairman of McArthurGlen Luxury Retail, is looking to transform airport retail

This autumn has seen a spate of store openings for the Swedish homewares chain Clas Ohlson which has more than doubled its UK portfolio in a matter of months. And it is now poised for a nationwide roll-out beginning in 2010.