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and accessories making it one of the retailer’s largest in London and is a response to the changing demographic in the location.
Southside already has a catchment of 750,000 residents, and around 1,800 new homes will be built in the area by 2025. Landsec wants to entice the new young professionals into the scheme as well as serving its existing customer-base.
To achieve this, Gilligan is working closely with Landsec’s in-house ‘Innovation Team’ to develop exciting new concepts and experiences to further upgrade the customer offer at Southside. Gilligan says there there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach in terms of innovation, as each shopping centre is different and will need different solutions.
Ideas to respond to the needs of our customers could include creating a ‘convenience hub’ which will allow ease of access for everyday essentials. Gilligan also cites the “rise in self investment” in terms of wellbeing, health and fitness, and beauty treatments as another opportunity to build on the success of Southside’s existing offer and significantly increase footfall. Orange Theory Fitness are
well established at Southside having opened in 2018 and will soon be joined by another boutique gym who are set to open in the centre later this year.
The experience Gilligan gained in asset and fund management across all market sectors whilst at ING will help her to formulate strategies for Southside and the other shopping centres she manages at Landsec.
The decision to specialise in retail and development came out of wanting to be move away from the financial sector and become part of a company that is passionate about placemaking and creating an environment where people want to live, work and play, says Gilligan. She explains: “I hadn’t previously specialised in shopping centres, but I made the decision that I wanted to learn a new market when I came back to work after a five year career break to have my family”.
As a mother of two young children, what brings Gilligan herself into a shopping mall or a city centre?
“I like doing things with my children (aside from shopping!). The Junk Yard Golf concept at Landsec’s Westgate Centre in
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