A PROMINENT Lake District shopping centre has undergone a revamp – and its developers are now on the lookout for tenants.

The Manchester-based MCR Property Group bought the 16-store Quarry Rigg centre at Bowness two months ago for upwards of £1 million.

Since then five empty units have been refurbished and the rundown exterior given a fresh coat of paint.

Now the company says there has been ‘significant’ interest in the vacant stores.

John Poole, head of commercial agencies at the company, said terms had already been agreed on two of the units, with the other three still available.

He said when MCR Property Group bought the centre it was looking ‘fairly tired and rundown’.

“We are looking to bring some life and vibrancy back to the shopping centre,” he said.

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“Bowness is one of the most popular areas in the Lakes and an opportunity like this doesn’t come up often.”

Mr Poole said the company was seeking local tenants to provide a mix to complement existing tenants.

“Enquires have been reasonable,” he added.

“We have extensive knowledge and experience of these projects and hope to benefit the local community now optimism has returned to the market. This type of development is right up our street.”

Current tenants at the Lake Road centre include national multiples such as Laura Ashley to small independent cafes and gift shops.

Adrian Faulkner, secretary of Windermere and Bowness Chamber of Trade, welcomed the news.

“The new company has to be applauded on upgrading and refurbishing the shopping centre,” he said.

“Any increase in business in an area where there are empty shops has to be good for the community.”