Struggling intu centre in Milton Keynes faces change as it's transferred to new operator

The company, which has redesigned other shopping centres to include housing schemes, has today been appointed as the new 'asset manager' after intu went into administration earlier this summer.

Ellandi bosses have pledged to "meet the changing needs" of people in MK.

They have appointed Savills as managing agent with responsibility for the day-to-day running of the centre.

It will continue to be known as intu Milton Keynes for an interim period prior to being rebranded.

Ellandi runs a string of other shopping centres throughout the UK and says each destination needs to be " re-imagined and re-engaged with their local communities."

The company is currently working on plans to build 800 residential units on part of the Mercury shopping centre site in Romford, which they describe as having " significant development potential."

Meanwhile, at the Pentagon shopping centre in Chatham, Ellandi is hoping to "repurpose the space" for a wider mix of uses - including residential.

Morgan Garfield, partner and co-founder of Ellandi, said of intu Milton Keynes: “For two decades, the centre has been an incredibly important focal point for the city’s people and its economy. We’re thrilled at the opportunity to continue its legacy and are committed to improving the existing offer with new operators and complimentary uses. The centre will continue to support local shoppers and the wider community.”

Shelley Peppard, general manager for intu Milton Keynes, said: “The team at Ellandi shares our passion for Milton Keynes and the potential that our site has at the heart of Milton Keynes and its community. We look forward to working with Morgan and his team.”

Jim Tucker, partner at KPMG and joint administrator of intu properties plc, said: “This is the third intu centre to migrate to new management in little under two weeks, further underscoring the hard work and commitment from all stakeholders to effect smooth and orderly transitions.”