TK Maxx and Hollywood Bowl are to become new additions to The Oracle in Reading town centre as part of the mall’s “enlivenment and repositioning” strategy.
Operator Hammerson said the two new market-leading brands are helping repurpose the former House of Fraser store and underpin the property giant’s strategy of “enlivening its city centre assets by introducing new concepts, high-profile brands and leisure partners to attract and engage new audiences”. Both brands will open in 2025.
Hammerson said the signing of fashion and homewares retailer TK Maxx “reinforces the ‘flight to quality’ witnessed across the industry [in 2023] where world-leading brands recognise the importance of central locations”. The brand is relocating to a new 45,000sq ft store on the ground floor. Meanwhile, Hollywood Bowl has committed to a 38,000sq ft bowling concept, “further strengthening The Oracle’s Riverside leisure offer”.
Harry Badham, Chief Development and Asset Repositioning Officer, at Hammerson said: “Across our portfolio, we have established proof of the impact of investment and repositioning projects such as these, especially when we partner with national and global best-in-class operators. Reading remains a top 20 retail destination in the UK and undergoing an ambitious investment programme across the city, supported by the strong infrastructure and young population. This diversification of the Oracle’s offer is a first step for us and will complement our future plans for new homes, flexible workspace and improved entrances and public realm.”
