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VISITORS to The Beacon shopping centre will notice an exciting new addition designed to make time spent in the town centre more comfortable, convenient and connected.
Inspired by the distinctive curved wooden seating found in major transport hubs such as London Victoria and London Bridge stations, the new seating areas represent a step forward in the design of modern public spaces.
The flowing timber benches form part of a new generation of public seating created not only for comfort, but also to provide welcoming places where people can pause, meet, relax and recharge during their visit.
The installation responds directly to feedback from visitors who wanted more opportunities to sit and take a break while shopping. By introducing larger, more flexible seating areas, The Beacon is creating dedicated seating areas throughout the centre, encouraging visitors to spend longer enjoying a relaxed environment between browsing shops, meeting friends or stopping for refreshments.
Unlike traditional rows of benches, the curved design allows people to sit from multiple directions and gather naturally in small groups, helping the spaces feel more social, inclusive and accessible.
Selected seating locations will also feature integrated charging points, providing a practical benefit for visitors who rely on their phones throughout the day. Whether staying in touch with family and friends, making contactless payments, accessing digital tickets or using loyalty apps, shoppers will be able to stay connected while they visit.
The design also reflects a growing trend towards more sustainable public furniture. The use of natural timber introduces warmth and character into the indoor environment, creating a more welcoming atmosphere compared with traditional metal seating.
Across airports, railway stations and modern retail destinations, this style of seating is increasingly being adopted to enhance comfort while encouraging positive social interaction within busy public spaces.
For The Beacon, the new seating represents a simple but meaningful investment in the visitor experience, reflecting the evolving role of shopping centres as destinations where people can spend time, connect with others and enjoy being at the heart of the town centre.
Mark Powell, Centre Manager at The Beacon, said: “The new seating has already received fantastic feedback from both our local community and first-time visitors, who are making great use of the integrated charging technology and comfortable new spaces.
As The Beacon continues to grow its retail portfolio and welcome increasing numbers of visitors, it was important that we future-proofed the centre by investing in facilities that enhance the customer experience. These new seating areas support our ongoing commitment to sustainability while providing more places than ever for visitors to relax, meet friends and enjoy their time at The Beacon.”
