Empty Exeter shopping centre unit to reopen after major takeover

It has been confirmed that an independent deli will be the first business to open in Exeter's Princesshay Shopping Centre after it was taken over by major retail group Frasers. It will replace a outdoor clothing and equipment retailer.

Signs have appeared in the window of the premises on Bedford Street, saying that a new business called Hanlees is "coming soon". The site was previously occupied by Rohan, an outdoors retailer, which recently closed its Exeter store after more than 10 years.

In its tagline, Hanlees promises "quick food for foodies". They are yet to reveal many details but on social media, they say they will be serving up coffee, salads, sandwiches and more. According to companies house, the business Hanlees (SW) Limited is run by Lee Cramer, Hannah Snowden and Matthew Reynolds, who is also the co-owner of local sports pub The Stand Off.

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The new opening will be the first in Princesshay since Frasers Group bought the shopping centre last month. The retail group is behind a number of well-known UK brands, including House of Fraser, Sports Direct, Game and Slazenger and is majority owned by retail tycoon Mike Ashley.

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Frasers has given little away about its plans for the shopping centre but said: "Frasers' acquisition will enable the Group to enhance the shopping and leisure offer within Exeter city centre, by introducing elevated retail formats and improving the current tenant mix in Princesshay."

The group has already been hit by some backlash after it was claimed that it was favouring big brands over local businesses. Eat the Bird had planned to move from their Sidwell Street premises to a glass-fronted site on Bedford Street but claimed that Frasers Group dropped the plans at the last minute. Frasers did not respond to DevonLive's requests for comment on the matter.

The opening of Hanlees could mark the start of a revival for Bedford Street, where most restaurant units have stood empty for more than a year, following the closures of Flamenca, Margoux, Cafe Rouge, Meat59 and Luciano's. Currently, the only restaurant open on the street is independently-owned Pop Kitchen.