.gif)
The Galleria (Hatfield, Hertfordshire)
Encyclopedia
The Galleria is Land Securities’ designer outlet centre at Hatfield, Hertfordshire
. Located 6 miles north of the M25 motorway
, it is regarded as one of the best outlet centres in the South East of England and has the largest catchment population of any factory outlet centre in the UK - with 7.3 million potential shoppers within a 60-minute drive due to the centre's location just north of London, situated literally directly on top of the A1(M) motorway
.
, which passes underneath via the Hatfield Tunnel. The centre first opened in 1991 and was converted to an outlet-led centre in 1996. Land Securities acquired the centre from Galleria Jersey Ltd in 2005 and took full control of the asset management of the centre in September 2006. The outlet is open from 10am until 8pm on weekdays, 10am to 6pm on Saturday and 11am to 5pm on Sunday. It comprises 85 shops and restaurants, a nine-screen Odeon cinema and 1,745 car spaces. The outlet benefits from open A1 planning consent and is situated in a highly prominent position
between Junctions 3 & 4 of the A1.
from Hertford
or St Albans
. By public transport, the centre can be accessed from Hatfield railway station
or St Albans City railway station. Both stations have bus links to the centre.
Buses also run from many places, such as Hemel Hempstead
and Watford
to the west, Stevenage
and Welwyn Garden City
to the north, Hertford
to the east and Barnet
and Potters Bar
in the south. These are provided by the two main operators in the area Uno
and Arriva Shires & Essex
. National Express
coaches also run to the Galleria, stopping directly outside the main entrance as a temporary measure due to changes to design at the place where the coaches previously stopped in the University of Hertfordshire
College Lane campus.
, Mexx
, Pringle
, Gant
and TK Maxx. In addition, other leading brands include HMV
, The Body Shop
, Thorntons
, Waterstone’s and Whittard of Chelsea
. Twentyretail and Head Retail are joint letting agents for the retail.
with 334 sq m (3,700 sq ft), and Nando's
with a 325 sq m (3,500 sq ft). In addition, the galleria incorporates a 9-screen Odeon
cinema - the first digital Odeon cinema in the UK.
granted planning consent for 7,801 sq ft (725 sq m) of additional restaurant and café space . Land Securities has created a new enclosed mall with 3 new branded restaurant units together with 2 fast food diners in previously void space under the cinema. The restaurants have been Burger King
and McDonald's
. Frankie & Benny's
and Chiquito
have taken two of the three restaurant units, while the third has been taken by buffet restaurant Ilaichi. Recently, the McDonald's has been refurbished from the old, dated design.
Hatfield, Hertfordshire
Hatfield is a town and civil parish in Hertfordshire, England in the borough of Welwyn Hatfield. It has a population of 29,616, and is of Saxon origin. Hatfield House, the home of the Marquess of Salisbury, is the nucleus of the old town...
. Located 6 miles north of the M25 motorway
M25 motorway
The M25 motorway, or London Orbital, is a orbital motorway that almost encircles Greater London, England, in the United Kingdom. The motorway was first mooted early in the 20th century. A few sections, based on the now abandoned London Ringways plan, were constructed in the early 1970s and it ...
, it is regarded as one of the best outlet centres in the South East of England and has the largest catchment population of any factory outlet centre in the UK - with 7.3 million potential shoppers within a 60-minute drive due to the centre's location just north of London, situated literally directly on top of the A1(M) motorway
A1(M) motorway
The A1 is a motorway in England that upgrades sections of the A1 road that connects London, the capital of England and the United Kingdom, with Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland...
.
Retail & leisure centre
The 29,800 sq m (320,000 sq ft) Galleria is located over the A1(M) motorwayA1(M) motorway
The A1 is a motorway in England that upgrades sections of the A1 road that connects London, the capital of England and the United Kingdom, with Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland...
, which passes underneath via the Hatfield Tunnel. The centre first opened in 1991 and was converted to an outlet-led centre in 1996. Land Securities acquired the centre from Galleria Jersey Ltd in 2005 and took full control of the asset management of the centre in September 2006. The outlet is open from 10am until 8pm on weekdays, 10am to 6pm on Saturday and 11am to 5pm on Sunday. It comprises 85 shops and restaurants, a nine-screen Odeon cinema and 1,745 car spaces. The outlet benefits from open A1 planning consent and is situated in a highly prominent position
between Junctions 3 & 4 of the A1.
Transport links
The centre can be reached from Junctions 3 or 4 of the A1(M), which provides connections to the M25, or by the A414A414 road
The A414 is a major road in England. It runs from the A41 at a junction west of Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire, through the town to junction 8 of the M1 motorway at Buncefield, and running parallel to the M1 until junction 7, heading south of St Albans, east through Hatfield, Hertford, then...
from Hertford
Hertford
Hertford is the county town of Hertfordshire, England, and is also a civil parish in the East Hertfordshire district of the county. Forming a civil parish, the 2001 census put the population of Hertford at about 24,180. Recent estimates are that it is now around 28,000...
or St Albans
St Albans
St Albans is a city in southern Hertfordshire, England, around north of central London, which forms the main urban area of the City and District of St Albans. It is a historic market town, and is now a sought-after dormitory town within the London commuter belt...
. By public transport, the centre can be accessed from Hatfield railway station
Hatfield railway station
Hatfield railway station serves the town of Hatfield in Hertfordshire, England. The station is managed by First Capital Connect.It is located approximately north of London Kings Cross on the East Coast Main Line.- History :...
or St Albans City railway station. Both stations have bus links to the centre.
Buses also run from many places, such as Hemel Hempstead
Hemel Hempstead
Hemel Hempstead is a town in Hertfordshire in the East of England, to the north west of London and part of the Greater London Urban Area. The population at the 2001 Census was 81,143 ....
and Watford
Watford
Watford is a town and borough in Hertfordshire, England, situated northwest of central London and within the bounds of the M25 motorway. The borough is separated from Greater London to the south by the urbanised parish of Watford Rural in the Three Rivers District.Watford was created as an urban...
to the west, Stevenage
Stevenage
Stevenage is a town and borough in Hertfordshire, England. It is situated to the east of junctions 7 and 8 of the A1, and is between Letchworth Garden City to the north, and Welwyn Garden City to the south....
and Welwyn Garden City
Welwyn Garden City
-Economy:Ever since its inception as garden city, Welwyn Garden City has attracted a strong commercial base with several designated employment areas. Among the companies trading in the town are:*Air Link Systems*Baxter*British Lead Mills*Carl Zeiss...
to the north, Hertford
Hertford
Hertford is the county town of Hertfordshire, England, and is also a civil parish in the East Hertfordshire district of the county. Forming a civil parish, the 2001 census put the population of Hertford at about 24,180. Recent estimates are that it is now around 28,000...
to the east and Barnet
Barnet
High Barnet or Chipping Barnet is a place in the London Borough of Barnet, North London, England. It is a suburban development built around a twelfth-century settlement and is located north north-west of Charing Cross. Its name is often abbreviated to Barnet, which is also the name of the London...
and Potters Bar
Potters Bar
Potters Bar is a town in the Hertsmere borough of Hertfordshire, England, located north of Central London. In 2001 it had a population of 21,618....
in the south. These are provided by the two main operators in the area Uno
Uno (bus company)
Uno is a bus service operated by the University of Hertfordshire, England, serving members of the general public, and also its own students and staff...
and Arriva Shires & Essex
Arriva Shires & Essex
Arriva Shires & Essex is a division of Arriva, with operations in Essex, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and London. It is one of many private operators of London Buses. Until 2002 its operations included Colchester...
. National Express
National Express
National Express Coaches, more commonly known as National Express, is a brand and company, owned by the National Express Group, under which the majority of long distance bus and coach services in Great Britain are operated,...
coaches also run to the Galleria, stopping directly outside the main entrance as a temporary measure due to changes to design at the place where the coaches previously stopped in the University of Hertfordshire
University of Hertfordshire
The University of Hertfordshire is a new university based largely in Hatfield, in the county of Hertfordshire, England, from which the university takes its name. It has more than 27,500 students, over 2500 staff, with a turnover of over £181m...
College Lane campus.
The Galleria retail
There are more than 80 designer outlets already trading at the galleria including brands such as French Connection, Jaeger, Austin Reed, Ghost, Marks & SpencerMarks & Spencer
Marks and Spencer plc is a British retailer headquartered in the City of Westminster, London, with over 700 stores in the United Kingdom and over 300 stores spread across more than 40 countries. It specialises in the selling of clothing and luxury food products...
, Mexx
Mexx
Mexx is an international fashion company that designs clothes and accessories for men, women and children. Mexx creates fashion that is inspired by the energy, style and trends of life in the big city. The Mexx’ metropolitan casual look is smart, classy and self confident.Every piece of Mexx...
, Pringle
Pringle of Scotland
Pringle of Scotland is a luxury knitwear manufacturer and importer. The brand is worn by the likes of Madonna, DB7 , Nicole Kidman, Sophie Dahl, Claudia Schiffer, the television character Alan Partridge and British bands such as The Kooks, Dirty Pretty Things and The Twang...
, Gant
Gant U.S.A.
GANT is a formerly Swedish but currently Swiss clothing brand of American heritage launched in New Haven in 1949. The brand has since then been further developed, being influenced by European styles, and is now a global clothing business...
and TK Maxx. In addition, other leading brands include HMV
HMV
His Master's Voice is a trademark in the music business, and for many years was the name of a large record label. The name was coined in 1899 as the title of a painting of the dog Nipper listening to a wind-up gramophone...
, The Body Shop
The Body Shop
The Body Shop International plc, known as The Body Shop, has 2,400 stores in 61 countries, and is the second largest cosmetic franchise in the world, following O Boticario, a Brazilian company...
, Thorntons
Thorntons
Thorntons is a UK chocolate company established by Joseph William Thornton in 1911. Thorntons today is a £180 million turnover company with nearly 400 shops and cafes and around 200 franchises together with internet, mail order and commercial services...
, Waterstone’s and Whittard of Chelsea
Whittard of Chelsea
Whittard of Chelsea are an international retailer of coffee, tea and various items that are used for the consumption of hot beverages. Instant tea, Hot chocolate and Confectionery are also amongst their leading products.- History :...
. Twentyretail and Head Retail are joint letting agents for the retail.
The Galleria leisure
the galleria also features 9 restaurants and cafés. The most recent additions are: ChiquitoChiquito (restaurant)
Chiquito is a UK-based restaurant chain specialising in Mexican food. The company was established in 1989 and has 68 restaurants across the country. It dubs itself as 'The Original Mexican Grill & Bar' and has been described as the United Kingdom's best-known Mexican chain...
with 334 sq m (3,700 sq ft), and Nando's
Nando's
Nando's is a casual dining restaurant group originating from South Africa with a Portuguese/Mozambican theme. Founded in 1987, Nando's operates in thirty countries on five continents....
with a 325 sq m (3,500 sq ft). In addition, the galleria incorporates a 9-screen Odeon
Odeon Cinemas
Odeon Cinemas is a British chain of cinemas, one of the largest in Europe. It is owned by Odeon & UCI Cinemas Group whose ultimate parent is Terra Firma Capital Partners.-History:Odeon Cinemas was created in 1928 by Oscar Deutsch...
cinema - the first digital Odeon cinema in the UK.
Key figures
- 29,800 sq m (320,000 sq ft) total space
- 20,500 sq m (220,000 sq ft) of designer outlet shopping and other retail (includes over 80 designer outlets)
- 10,200 sq m (110,000 sq ft) of leisure facilities and restaurants (including a 9 screen Odeon digiplex cinema)
- 1,700 car parking spaces
- Since opening as an outlet centre in 1996 the galleria has attracted more than 60 million visitors to its 80-plus designer retail outlets.
- Currently, footfall is running at around 100,000 per week with approximately 5.2 million visitors a year.
Developments
Land Securities is making a significant investment in site enhancements, retail and restaurant mix as well as brand destination. The centre has recently undergone a complete rebrand to create a contemporary designer outlet shopping and leisure destination . In June 2008, Welwyn Hatfield CouncilWelwyn Hatfield
The Borough of Welwyn Hatfield is a local government district in southern Hertfordshire, England.Its covers the two towns of Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield, along with numerous smaller settlements from Woolmer Green in the north to Little Heath in the south. Each of the towns has a railway station...
granted planning consent for 7,801 sq ft (725 sq m) of additional restaurant and café space . Land Securities has created a new enclosed mall with 3 new branded restaurant units together with 2 fast food diners in previously void space under the cinema. The restaurants have been Burger King
Burger King
Burger King, often abbreviated as BK, is a global chain of hamburger fast food restaurants headquartered in unincorporated Miami-Dade County, Florida, United States. The company began in 1953 as Insta-Burger King, a Jacksonville, Florida-based restaurant chain...
and McDonald's
McDonald's
McDonald's Corporation is the world's largest chain of hamburger fast food restaurants, serving around 64 million customers daily in 119 countries. Headquartered in the United States, the company began in 1940 as a barbecue restaurant operated by the eponymous Richard and Maurice McDonald; in 1948...
. Frankie & Benny's
Frankie & Benny's
Frankie & Benny's is a chain of Italian-American restaurants in the UK with numerous outlets nationwide run by The Restaurant Group plc. Its first location was Leicester in 1995 but now the chain has over 150 locations across the UK and also abroad, and smaller branches called "Little...
and Chiquito
Chiquito (restaurant)
Chiquito is a UK-based restaurant chain specialising in Mexican food. The company was established in 1989 and has 68 restaurants across the country. It dubs itself as 'The Original Mexican Grill & Bar' and has been described as the United Kingdom's best-known Mexican chain...
have taken two of the three restaurant units, while the third has been taken by buffet restaurant Ilaichi. Recently, the McDonald's has been refurbished from the old, dated design.
See also
- List of shopping centres in the United Kingdom
- Gunwharf QuaysGunwharf QuaysGunwharf Quays is an area of Portsmouth, Hampshire, now home to a large shopping centre.- History:The centre opened on 28 February 2001 and is located on the site of the former Royal Navy shore establishment HMS Vernon, renamed HMS Nelson on March 31, 1986...
- another outlet centre owned by Land Securities in PortsmouthPortsmouthPortsmouth is the second largest city in the ceremonial county of Hampshire on the south coast of England. Portsmouth is notable for being the United Kingdom's only island city; it is located mainly on Portsea Island...
, HampshireHampshireHampshire is a county on the southern coast of England in the United Kingdom. The county town of Hampshire is Winchester, a historic cathedral city that was once the capital of England. Hampshire is notable for housing the original birthplaces of the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force...