20/20 to expand on leisure work

Retail design consultancy 20/20 has appointed Charles Dunnett, formerly of Dutch property developer MAB, as director of architecture. He will spearhead a drive by the group for large pan-European retail projects.

The expansion strategy will also see 20/20 become more deeply involved in leisure projects, especially where these are tied to large retail developments. The group has traditionally been known for purely retail work for clients such as Bhs and Virgin.

“Leisure is becoming a daily part of town life, and of shopping life,” says Rune Gustafson of 20/20. He says the consultancy will be “building a strong leisure offer within shopping centres”, as lines between leisure and retail destinations become blurred.

Dunnett has been working with 20/20 for three weeks, mostly in The Netherlands, although he will eventually be based in London. It is understood that he has already managed to bring new European clients to the consultancy, and is currently conducting initial research there for them.

Dunnett confirms that the consultancy will now be seeking shopping centre refurbishment work across Europe.