"Interim Management Statement for the period from 1 January to 22 April 2014." (Interim? Hammerson should get some PERMANENT management.)

"Highlights:

• UK leases signed 8% above ERV, French leases 1% above ERV
• Footfall and sales in UK shopping centres up 0.6% and 0.5% respectively
• Value Retail brand sales continued to grow at double-digit rate
• Occupancy remains high at 96.6% (31 March 2013: 96.6%)
• Les Terrasses du Port, Marseille, now 96% let, scheduled to open 24 May 2014
• Completed £109 million acquisition of Saint Sébastien shopping centre, Nancy.

"David Atkins, Chief Executive, said:

"Economic recovery, particularly in the UK, is generating confidence in our consumer markets. We have seen improving leasing demand over the period, and have struck deals at good levels in both the UK and France. In addition the ongoing strength of investment demand in both our territories is providing support for valuations. We are on site with a number of retail developments, and are progressing other major retail schemes, to capitalise on this demand from both the consumer and investment markets."

Strategy

Hammerson has three strategic priorities which guide our capital deployment, operating model and financial management:

• creating high-quality property;
• maximising income; and
• capital strength.

Our strategy is underpinned by high-quality real estate. We create compelling retail venues in successful locations with services and experiences tailored to the local consumer demographic.

[... Highlights of UK sites:]

"Construction is underway at Victoria Gate, Leeds and Le Jeu de Paume, Beauvais. At Victoria Gate, Sir Robert McAlpine has been appointed the contractor, and the £150 million scheme, which will deliver 34,000m² of high-quality retail including a new John Lewis, is due to be completed by the end of 2016. Construction of Le Jeu de Paume in Beauvais is progressing well, and we expect the 24,000m² scheme north west of Paris to complete toward the end of next year.

"Croydon Council has approved the use of compulsory purchase orders required for the £1 billion redevelopment of the Whitgift Centre by the Hammerson/Westfield joint venture. We welcome the decision made by the Council, which is an integral part of the land assembly process, and will help deliver the major retail regeneration of Croydon’s town centre.

"Detailed designs for phase one of Watermark WestQuay have been submitted to Southampton City Council. The proposals comprise a 10-screen cinema and up to 20 restaurants alongside a major, high-quality public piazza adjoining the existing WestQuay shopping centre. The application focuses on the architectural features, landscaping design and materials proposed within the development.

"We have continued to progress our plans for Bishopsgate Goodsyard [London] in conjunction with our JV partner Ballymore, and following a period of consultation with stakeholders we anticipate submitting a planning application for the mixed-use site in the coming months.

"... We have submitted a detailed planning application to Swansea City Council for the refurbishment of its 22,600m² Parc Tawe Retail Park. The £10 million retail park redevelopment will create six new retail units, four new restaurants and a drive-through coffee pod. This is in addition to upgrading the existing retail fascias for leisure brands including Odeon and TenPin, and a flagship Toys R Us store.

"In March our planning consent for the redevelopment of Elliott’s Field Retail Park, Rugby, was successfully upheld following a Judicial Review challenge being dismissed. We are now in discussion with retailers ahead of a start on site this Autumn.

"... Already this year we have secured a number of leasing firsts across the portfolio, including the first French Sole store outside London at Victoria Quarter, Leeds, and Five Guys’ first restaurant in the Midlands at Bullring in Birmingham.

"... We have been recognised for our creative approach to securing income from our portfolio. WestQuay recently won the BCSC Opal Award for best use of interactive media for its Monster Headphones interactive window.

[... and Brent Cross? ...]

[... er, ...]

"... Brent Cross won the award for best use of unusual commercial space with its ‘drive-in movie’ concept." [Not exactly an environmental award for the Staples Corner - North Circular Road - M1 Motorway road junction investment at Brent Cross, then.]