Bristol's prominent retail and leisure destination, Cribbs Causeway, has announced the appointment of a new centre director who will play a pivotal role in fostering investment across the wider South Gloucestershire region. Andy Jackson steps into the position with a wealth of experience from previous centre manager roles at major shopping centres including Westquay in Southampton, Mailbox in Birmingham, Centre:MK in Milton Keynes, and The Gracechurch Centre in Sutton Coldfield.
A Strategic Role in Regional Growth
Mr Jackson joins the existing leadership team at Cribbs, which includes Leon Morse and Lizzie Taylor, and will oversee the operations of Cribbs Mall, Cribbs Venue leisure park, and Cribbs Retail Park. These assets are owned by M&G Real Estate and managed by Sovereign Centros from CBRE. His responsibilities extend beyond daily management to acting as an ambassador for the centre.
Promoting the Western Innovation Arc
A key aspect of his role involves working alongside regional stakeholders to attract investment into the Western Innovation Arc. This high-value employment cluster in South Gloucestershire hosts major companies such as Airbus, BAE Systems, Rolls Royce, the Ministry of Defence, Royal Mail, and the University of the West of England. Mr Jackson's efforts aim to capitalise on the area's economic potential and enhance its profile.
Collaboration on Local Projects
He will also engage closely with significant local developments, most notably the neighbouring Brabazon Development. This ambitious project is set to deliver 6,500 homes, 2,000 student rooms, a 19,500-capacity arena, and the creation of 30,000 jobs, all within walking distance of Cribbs Causeway. This collaboration underscores the centre's integration into broader community and economic planning.
Enhancing the Retail and Leisure Experience
In his day-to-day duties, Mr Jackson will work with Cribbs' diverse range of retailers, from long-standing occupiers like John Lewis, M&S, Next, H&M, and Boots, to newer arrivals such as AllSaints, Animal, Victoria's Secret, and Mango. He is tasked with expanding the estate's food and drink offerings as well as its leisure facilities to create a comprehensive all-day destination.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Mr Jackson said, "I am so excited to join one of the UK's most successful retail and leisure destinations. As the home of more than 150 shops and restaurants, and with 6.2 million people seeing Cribbs as their closest super regional shopping centre, it is no wonder that brands are queuing up to join our line-up." He added, "I look forward to working with new and existing brands as we continue to innovate our offering to our growing shopper base, whilst also building connections with local stakeholders to promote Cribbs as the South West's leading day out destination."
Support from Management
Iain Minto, senior director of asset management at Sovereign Centros from CBRE, commented on the appointment, stating, "We are delighted to announce the appointment of Andy Jackson as the new centre director for Cribbs. Andy will be able to build on the fantastic work the team have done in turning Cribbs into so much more than a shopping destination as we continue to innovate our leisure and F&B offering to create an all-day destination which caters for our thriving younger audience."
He further emphasised, "This is an exciting time for Cribbs Causeway, and Andy will play a vital role in working with our local stakeholders to promote this part of the South West to both national and international investors keen to capitalise on the growth opportunities available across this region."
The management structure at Cribbs Causeway involves Sovereign Centros from CBRE providing full asset management services on behalf of M&G Real Estate. Letting agents for the centre include Time Retail Partners and Cushman & Wakefield, with Green & Partners retained in a leasing advisory capacity, ensuring a robust operational framework to support Mr Jackson's initiatives.
