| LAURA ASHLEY world famous for elegance and quality in exclusive home furnishings will be opening it’s doors in Kennet Shopping. The company will be located in part of the new premises in Bartholomew Street. The area of 7,500 sq. ft., will be split into 3 units. Laura Ashley will occupy 5,900 sq.ft., trading from half of the ground floor and the whole of the first floor. Two further stores will take up the remaining space linked to the Bartholomew Street entrance.
The decision by Laura Ashley to move into Kennet Shopping is proof of the Centre’s ambition to attract quality names. Centre Manager, Mag Williams said “This is a real boost for Kennet Shopping and the Town Centre. It proves that retailers have confidence in Newbury and, in this particular case, that Kennet Shopping holds a very strong position in the town”
This brings a total number of 15 newcomers to Kennet Shopping in the last 2 years. Kennet Shopping is close to full occupancy with talks going on with interested parties to fill the remaining units. Laura Ashley Home Furnishings are expected to be opening their doors in Newbury in Spring 2005. | 
