The latest generation of developments all focus on light and space. High, glazed ceilings, impressive entrances, large stores, atriums, uniquely-designed RMUs and great use of light fittings, colour and materials are commonplace. As a result, many older centres are being forced to refurbish, both to keep retailers on board and to attract customers who would rather shop in bright and airy surroundings.

Meadowhall is into the second year of its £30m refurbishment programme. Works include complete re-modelling of the bulkheads between the upper and lower levels to increase daylight and improve sightlines between the floors. In addition, an environmentally-friendly, flexible air-cooling system has been installed, new seating areas have been set up, modern lighting introduced, lifts and escalators renewed and both the interior and exterior given new signage.

At the end of last year The Light in Leeds spent £750,000 on external enhancement to help the scheme stand out as a retail destination.

Carey Jones architects and Arup used dynamic colour change cornice lighting to wrap-around and unite the Grade II listed building with the new-build part of the scheme. And new improved high-level external signage with lighting 'starbursts' have provided better visibility both during the day and in the evening.

Sue Anderson, director of The Light, says: "The impressive coloured lighting system has catapulted the centre into the spotlight, creating a real landmark for the city. The centre now draws even greater footfall in the evenings because the building is so eye-catching."

For new developments, fountains are another way of making exterior and interior environments more inviting. Crystal Fountains works with fountain and water feature designs for shopping centres and retail developments worldwide. The water features can create focal points, meeting places and reference points for shoppers. In addition, fountains can form a source of entertainment by being customised to light and/or sound or through computer-controlled animated displays.

At the Trafford Centre, Crystal Fountains created eight individually-themed water features which act as a visitor attraction.

CEO Paul L'Heureux says it is important to get the water feature designers on board early on in the design process: "The design and cost implications of bringing us in late to the design process can be significant."

But it's not only major works that can breathe new life into a scheme. Lewisham shopping centre has a central atruim covered by an expanse of glass, but last summer the glass roof made the two cafés underneath feel like a greenhouse.

The solution came in the shape of vibrant, colourful fabric from James Glancy Design, which was placed beneath the glass, and immediately worked wonders to reduce temperatures and sun glare.

The drapes are fire retardant and so cost-effective that they can be dispensed with after the summer and replaced the following year with a new set of colour ways.

As part of a modernisation strategy, Merseyway in Stockport decided to relocate its customer services team to a dedicated new customer services desk, using the space freed up to house a new BB's Coffee & Muffins cafe and a juice bar.

Unicam designed and installed the new desk and within weeks the project was delivering real results, with customer enquiries increasing by 2 per cent and overall pedestrian flow up 8 per cent.

Ceiling coating could save thousands of pounds

The Suspended Ceiling Restoration Company (SCR) claims to be able to save shopping centres up to 90 per cent compared to a new ceiling.

The company has developed a fresh approach to ceiling restoration for metal/fibre ceiling tiles, using a coating which can be applied overnight, retains all the original tile characteristics and restores light reflection.

The latest addition to their refurbishment programme is an antibacterial coating which kills any existing bacteria including Salmonella and MRSA.

Contacts

James Glancy Design: 020 7252 8844

Unicam: http://www.unicamuk.co.uk

SCR: http://www.suspendedceilingrestoration.co.uk

Crystal Fountains: http://www.crystalfountains.com

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