There are changes afoot in Cannock, with Cannock Shopping Centre being acquired by a new owner, Vesa Poikonen, the founding partner of Sisu Advisors Ltd. Vesa specialises in regional commercial real estate and has a background in both real estate and financial services.

The new ownership is committed to the regeneration of the town centre and is supporting this by refreshing and rejuvenating the shopping centre. Several exciting updates to the centre have already begun, including refurbishment works to several units to improve the overall look and attract new businesses to the area. More than £60k has been invested on unit updates, which include:

• New carpet floor tiles and floor repair
• New lay and grid ceiling system
• New LED lighting
• New plasterboard and painting to all walls
• New kitchen units and new bathrooms

Investment has also been made in new LED lighting installation in the Centre’s common areas. This will not only provide better, brighter lighting, but will also cut electricity consumption and be better for the environment. A further £20,000 has been earmarked to be invested in lighting upgrades in the Market Hall area of the centre – an area for independent stall holders and perfect for any start-up businesses looking for space to grow.

Vesa Poikonen commented “Cannock Shopping Centre has a vital role to play in the future of Cannock. With a substantial amount of my personal funds invested, I aim to ensure it gets the amount of attention the centre deserves and requires.

I’m keen to also get involved in the local area – to enable me to promote and support the centre and the town further. As part this, I’ve recently been appointed as a Board Member of the Cannock Town Centre Partnership.

Being located next to the Town Centre redevelopment area, Cannock Shopping Centre will also benefit in the long-term from better public realm and improved connectivity for pedestrians.

It’s an exciting time to be in the town and I look forward to playing my part in changing the face of Cannock.”