2/3/2023

Evolve Estates, part of M Core, one of the largest, privately held commercial property portfolios in the UK, facilitated acquisition of a dominant town centre shopping centre in Wiltshire.

The Shires in Trowbridge is a 118,000 sqft centre with 52 retail units. Tenants include Iceland, JD Sports, Sports Direct, Peacocks, Poundland and Superdrug and it is anchored by an Asda superstore. There are also more than 1,000 car parking spaces.

The Bristol office, has been appointed to manage the centre, which was acquired for an undisclosed sum.

Asset Manager George Watson, located in the Bristol office said: "In the past few months, our managed portfolio has grown significantly with the addition of 100,000 sq ft of property, including large regional centres, local convenience parades and offices.

"We are known for our intensive asset management and work hard to add value and invest in the local communities where we operate. Thanks to our extensive contacts in the retail sector we'll be contacting those we believe would benefit from having a Trowbridge presence and look forward to announcing new tenants in the coming weeks."

The Shires acquisition marks the sixth major retail deal of 2023 for M Core with already announced acquisition of; Market Quay Shopping Centre, in Fareham, Hampshire, a 168,907 sq ft development comprising 17 commercial units, and Rainham Shopping Centre, in Gillingham, Kent, Gateway Retail Park in Harwich, Essex.

This 85,000 sq ft retail and office precinct has 25 shops, including Greggs, Costa, Card Factory and Boots, and it is anchored by Tesco and Wilko.

For The Shires transaction, Jackson Criss acted as agent for the vendor, while the vendor's solicitor was CMS. For Sheet Anchor, the solicitor was Osbourne Clarke, while Savills was the agent.