THE manager of Clacton Factory Outlet has welcomed a turnaround in the fortunes of the once flagging shopping centre.

London-based investment company Rom Capital, which specialises in reviving neglected shopping centres, bought the Stephenson Road site from Southern Outlet Centres last year.

It has now completed the first phase of a £3.8million refurbishment, which has seen eco-friendly cedar cladding and aluminium windows fitted to all its stores.

One new shop has already opened, with two to follow next week.

Allan Hassell, centre manager, said: “It’s fantastic to see the renewed interest in the centre from new and existing retailers, and the positive feedback from customers and tenants has been amazing.

“We’re really pleased to be welcoming some quality new local and mainstream brands to the centre.”

Rom Capital said the previous “spaghetti western feel” to the centre had not worked and had led to the lack of success at the site, which it said was in desperate need for a contemporary appearance, to encourage existing shops to stay.

“As a result of the works being completed, the centre is now attracting a lot of interest from new retailers,” added Mr Hassell.

“Carnaby Street-based Merc London recently opened their first factory outlet store here and Glitter Princess and Yeomans Outdoor Leisure will be opening next week.”

The second phase of the refurbishment will begin in the autumn and will include canopies over the main malls and new street furniture.

Rom Capital has also been granted outline planning permission for the outlet’s car park, which includes plans for a garden centre, car showroom and fast food drive-through, or a new pub restaurant and light industrial units.

Pierre Oxley, chairman of Clacton Chamber of Trade and Tourism, said: “The investment company seems to realise the big thing is to attract big name retailers if it wants to attract more shoppers.

“The refurbishment has been a success and more and more people are using the facility.

“It is a facility the town needs and it does add to the shopping experience in Clacton.”