2007 Refurbishment
On January 17, 2007 it was announced by Richard Cowlard, the centre manager, that the precinct would undergo a £1million, 9-month long renovation, to help bring it into the 21st century. Having bucked the trend over Christmas 2006 of falling high street figures, instead enjoying an increase, they deemed the refurbishment worth the investment and went ahead.
The work was all completed (by contractors Kier East) at night to avoid disruption to shoppers and loss of sales to the shops, and finished two months ahead of schedule in September 2007.
Specialists were drafted in to work on the 70-foot (21 m)-high glass atrium and a new smoke-detection system was installed, along with a new fire sprinkle system. New aesthetic features were installed and standing ones upgraded. The ceilings were replaced (although the roof still leaks) and the walls repainted in bright white. 800 high-spec lights were added to increase the vivid white effect, and the 'scenic lifts' were improved to help improve access for disabled customers.
The centre became more environmentally friendly. Changes included energy-efficient lighting and removal of electric hand-driers from the toilets and the installation of hand-towel dispensers.
At the same time, one of the Belfry's biggest retailers, Marks & Spencer, which spreads over both the floors in the centre, underwent complete refurbishment, including the introduction of an instore cafe and bakery and the launch of their popular Per Una line.
Read more about this topic: The Belfry (shopping Centre)