The Met Quarter
_tcm81-63825.jpg "The completed MET Quarter in April 2006")
The former Post Office building in the heart of the city centre has been converted into an exciting retail development which is now bringing new fashion and lifestyle shops to the city. Milligan Developments created the £70m Met Quarter which provides 81,000 sq ft of retail accommodation, restaurants and bars.
The scheme comprises two levels of retail plus a mezzanine retail level arranged around a central mall. The mall is a triple height space covered with a glass/solid roof.
The Met Quarter retains the traditional facades of the Old Post Office. Although the new facades are contemporary, they have been constructed using a sympathetic architectural language. Behind the facades, a mall is has been created with shops on either side. These are faced with Jura limestone with doors from sustainable sources.
The entrance at Whitechapel is of curved glass and leads to seating areas, an event area and features large chandeliers and specially-commissioned sculptures and hangings.
The common goal was to delight and exceed the expectations of visitors. This is because Milligan works and thinks retail and shares retailers' opinions. This is not restricted purely to the retail offer; the whole environment is adapted and styled with the visitor as priority.
The development brought back into use a building which lay derelict for decade and was an eyesore at the heart of the city centre. The new building is now not only a high quality retail outlet but also a public space with artworks.
The centre opened its doors to an eager shopping public in April 2006.
Map showing project location
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