Watford’s shopping centre has officially been given a new name by its owners.

The mall, formerly known as intu Watford, is being renamed Atria Watford under the new management of Global Mutual and Savills.

They say the “bold” new name is testament to the centre’s iconic ‘atrium’ skylights that run the length of the shopping and leisure destination and opens out into the glass-ceiling extension.

The name comes after the centre was taken over by Global Mutual, a company managing £4.2 billion of global assets, in October following the collapse of intu.

Since then, the mall has been temporarily known as Watford's shopping centre while a new permanent name was drawn up, which has been announced today.

Many readers had called for the shopping centre to be renamed the Harlequin, although Global Mutual say the name Atria Watford represents the “bright and airy feeling created by natural light and a connection with the outdoor environment”.

Watford Observer: The new name and logo for Watford's shopping centre The new name and logo for Watford's shopping centre

Over the coming months, the centre will begin the physical transfer of the new brand, including visible external signage and internal messaging.

Steve Gray, Head of European Retail Asset Management at Global Mutual, said: “Today marks the start of an important new chapter in the continuing evolution of the centre.

"Now, we can move forward with a fresh identity and an ambitious plan to make Atria Watford the premier destination for North-West London and the surrounding area.”

Now open for essential retail only, Atria Watford’s management team is currently planning for the return of its shoppers and non-essential retail on Monday, April 12, based on government guidelines. 

Mr Gray added: “It’s now time to look ahead to the future and celebrate the exciting changes and developments Atria Watford will bring to the heart of the Watford community.

"We look forward introducing the new brand to our shoppers and the experiences we have planned to make this shopping centre one of the best in the UK.”

What do you think of the new name? Let us know in the comments below.