SGS appoints new asset manager for former intu malls

SGS Group has appointed retail asset manager Pradera Lateral to manage the former intu shopping centres Lakeside in Essex, Atria Watford, Victoria Centre in Nottingham, and Braehead near Glasgow. Pradera Lateral replaces Global Mutual, which was appointed as asset manager in 2020, shortly after intu Properties entered administration and SGS took control of the shopping centres. Jaap Tonckens, non-executive chairman of SGS Group, said: “Global Mutual has done excellent work in stabilising the four assets during a tough economic climate and delivering a number of exciting asset management initiatives.” In September, former Unite director Claire Barber became chief executive of SGS Group. Barber said: “Along with my team, I am looking forward to working closely with Pradera Lateral to build on the achievements to date and further strengthen the assets’ positions in the market.” Barry Cox, managing director at Pradera, added: “We look forward to taking this portfolio of prime shopping centres into the next phase of growth.” SGS has also made new hires including appointing Philip Wardle as head of leasing. Wardle joins from British Land and has also held senior positions at LaSalle Investment Management and Capital Shopping Centres.