After two years of moves, renovations, and new retailers opening, Coach House Square is almost 100 per cent leased, says Anthem Properties executive vice-president of Investments Bill Kennedy.
“We have come a long way from the beginning of 2014 when the property had significant vacancy in a
challenging retail environment.”
When the Williams Lake and District Credit Union expanded, he notes Anthem Properties did the store front area of the centre.
“Now what we’ve done with the latest activity is to continue that on for the balance of that building, so, hopefully, when you look at the building from the highway, it looks like it all belongs together.”
Major vacancies, which are now filled, are the new BC Liquor Store, which should be open by late March or early April 2016, and the new Bosley’s pet store should be open by late January or early February 2016.
There is a 1,000-square-foot space that is still available on the south side of the property. Other than that, the property is completely filled.
“I have been with Anthem for 10 years, and it’s the most full it has been in those 10 years.
“Obviously, we’re really happy with the new people and really happy with the old people who are, hopefully, doing well and serving the community well.”
Noting Save-On-Foods is a huge traffic generator, Kennedy says the Liquor Store will make it that much busier.
The property’s success is indicative of the strong partnership between the property owner, businesses, and the municipality, Kennedy adds.
In addition to exterior upgrades to a number of existing tenants, work is continuing on expanded loading facilities, new facades, and parking enhancements with all upgrades expected to be completed by the spring of 2016.
“Obviously, construction activity and change can be a little bit aggravating for the people around whom it occurs. So, our tenants have been great and we hope the community is happy with what we’ve done.
“We’re really happy with what we have. It’s taken two years, but I think we have a good result.”
Kennedy says he’s also happy with a recent signing.
“We’ve also been working with our long‐term tenants, including Save‐On‐Foods, and they have
demonstrated their commitment to Coach House Square by signing on for another long‐term
lease.”
