Wind turbines poised to power McArthurGlen's green overhaul

Outlet centre operator McArthurGlen is planning eco-friendly revamps of its centres in the UK under its new UK regional director.

The company has appointed Henrik Madsen from footwear group Kenneth Cole to lead its eco push. He has also worked at Miu Miu, Edwyn Jeans and French Connection.

As part of its plans to go green, McArthurGlen's centre in the East Midlands will get a wind turbine to provide its power. This will be used to supply up to half of the centre's energy when it is switched on in 2009. The company is also carrying out wind turbine feasibility studies on its six other UK centres.

Madsen said he would also review McArthurGlen's general strategy. He plans to introduce more luxury elements to the UK centres, which already carry retail outlets for the likes of Polo Ralph Lauren and Oasis.

He said: "We'll look at what we do in Europe, with some exclusive luxury designer quarters in the centres. There is stronger demand for more upmarket brands than there was five or 10 years ago." Madsen said there was also potential for more centres in the UK.