Bullring - Letting Update

Hammerson PLC 17 July 2003 Bullring: 95% of Retail Income Secured Hammerson plc and Land Securities Group PLC announce that eight weeks ahead of the opening of Bullring on 4 September, The Birmingham Alliance has signed leases or agreed terms in respect of 95% of the expected annual retail income for the shopping centre. Europe's largest retail-led city centre regeneration project, the three level Bullring, provides a total of 110,000 m(2) (1.2 million ft(2)) space on a 26 acre site. Bullring is anchored by both Selfridges, which will be opening its fourth UK store, and Debenhams, which will be launching its 2010 concept. In addition to the anchor stores, 64 retailers not previously represented in Birmingham have taken stores. A total of 18 retailers will be relocating to Bullring from sites elsewhere in the city and 54 retailers will be taking units in Bullring and retaining existing shops in Birmingham. John Richards, Chief Executive of Hammerson, which is project managing the scheme, said: 'Bullring will undoubtedly prove to be a premier European retail destination. The tremendous letting progress achieved underlines the success of the development, and promotes a tenant mix which will be particularly attractive to shoppers. We shall open in early September and anticipate very few unlet units within the scheme. We have achieved Zone A rents in excess of £300/ft2, with rent-free periods in line with our original forecasts.' James Darkins, Global Director, Property, of Henderson Global Investors, commented: 'The £530 million Bullring, Europe's largest urban regeneration project has achieved the dual objective of providing an economic return to its private sector investors whilst delivering an outstanding city centre to the people of Birmingham. This was achieved by a highly successful public/private partnership, harnessing the vision and commitment of Birmingham City Council with the capital, resources and project expertise of The Birmingham Alliance.' Ian Henderson, Land Securities Group's Chief Executive, said: 'Bullring's contribution to Birmingham's economy is being hailed as a major example for future city centre regeneration projects across Europe and is having a far-reaching effect on the city. The development has brought about a series of major changes in Birmingham's infrastructure: opening up the way for the regeneration of Eastside; increasing the city's accessibility through the refurbishment of Moor Street Station; and bringing some 8,000 new job opportunities in the process.' For further information contact: Olivia Whiteoak Vicki Staveacre Emma Denne Corporate Communications Manager Global Director, Corporate Affairs Head of Corporate Communications Hammerson plc Henderson Global Investors Land Securities Group PLC Tel: 020 7887 1000 Tel: 020 7818 4222 Tel: 020 7413 9000 Notes to Editors The Birmingham Alliance The Birmingham Alliance - a partnership between Hammerson plc, Henderson Global Investors, and Land Securities Group PLC - is regenerating over 26 acres of Birmingham in the development of Bullring, Europe's largest city centre retail-led urban renewal project. The former 1960's Bull Ring Shopping Centre has been demolished to make way for a series of new squares and covered streets with 110,000 m2 of modern retail facilities. Opening on 4 September 2003, the £530 million Bullring will provide premier shopping in 132 retail units over three levels and will restore historic pedestrian linkages between New Street and High Street, the market area and the future regeneration area at Eastside and Digbeth. Hammerson plc Hammerson plc is a leading European real estate investment and development company. Established over 50 years ago, the group has operations in the UK, France and Germany. Its high quality portfolio is valued at around £4 billion, and provides nearly 1,250,000m2 of retail space, through a portfolio of shopping centres and retail parks, and over 250,000m2 of prime offices in central London and Paris. Hammerson has a reputation for operating well managed properties, providing attractive and efficient environments which meet occupiers' changing needs. Hammerson is currently progressing proposals for the regeneration of several other major city centres in the UK, including Bristol, Sheffield and Leeds. Henderson Global Investors Ltd Henderson Global Investors is a leading international investment management company operating worldwide. Employing some 1500 people globally, including over 300 investment professionals, it offers a wide range of investment products and services to institutions and individuals in Asia Pacific, Europe and North America. Managing assets of £89 billion, the company's main business areas are active and fixed interest asset management, property, private capital, listed investment trusts, retail unit trusts and offshore and hedge funds distributed through a combination of both retail and wholesale channels. Property is a key component of Henderson's asset management business. It is a worldwide capability with operations in the UK, Continental Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore and has a total of £10.1 billion under management. Henderson has significant retail expertise. In addition to being a joint venture partner in The Birmingham Alliance, it is also a 50% shareholder in Pradera, a specialist manager of out of town retail property funds for Continental Europe. Land Securities Group PLC Land Securities Group PLC provides commercial accommodation and property services to a wide range of occupiers across the United Kingdom. Its £7 billion investment portfolio is focused on four core sectors: offices and shops in Central London, shopping centres, out-of-town retail parks and industrial properties located in the South East. In addition, the group is a market leader in the new area of total property outsourcing, providing accommodation and property related services to Government and major corporations such as BT and the BBC. Through its extensive development programme, Land Securities is committed to the retail-led regeneration of several major city centres and brownfield sites in the south east, as well as new office schemes in central London. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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