The Partnership persuaded to participate

A perfect opportunity

The John Lewis Partnership, by the 1990’s one of the most instantly recognisable names on the high street, was the first to be approached regarding the prospect of becoming an anchor store for the shopping centre. The Partnership needed little persuasion. The South East of England had long been on the Partnership’s penetrative hit-list, and Bluewater offered the perfect opportunity. The idea of appealing to European neighbours was a particularly attractive notion, and a dream that could be fulfilled by Bluewater’s close proximity to Ebbsfleet.

Thus, an agreement to lease was signed by the Partnership in May 1995. The John Lewis Way was to at last find its way to the South East of England.