Watford: Two Shoppings Centres To Be Renamed

18 January 2013, 06:00

Two of Watford's main shopping areas are set to be renamed, as the company behind them goes for a revamp.

The Harlequin to become "intu Watford", following the creation of a nationwide consumer-facing brand for Capital Shopping Centres.

Capital Shopping Centres (CSC) have announced the creation the new brand, intu - pronounced "into", which will see all of company's centres be named - also being renamed with the "intu" prefix will be the giant Lakeside shopping centre in Essex.

The company promises it's more than just a rename, with a £25m investment in free WIFI throughout the malls.

Customers in Watford are being promised an improved customer experience including additional digital services.

The news comes as CSC also intends to submit a planning application for the Charter Place redevelopment scheme to push ahead.

The £80m project includes a new name, refurbished interior, new shops, restaurants and a new cinema.

Watford mayor Dorothy Thornhill's told Heart: "We've all got used to people saying, 'Oh where are you going, well we're all going down the Harlequin' - so I can understand why there might be some resistance to this."

The "intu" brand launches in May.