Zest, one of the UK’s fastest-growing EV charging networks, has invested in new EV charging facilities at Chantry Place in Norwich, one of the region’s largest shopping centres. Zest is providing sixteen charging bays at Chantry Place, a Savills retail destination of 90 shops, cafés, and restaurants in Norwich city centre. Zest will also operate and maintain the charging facilities, in order to provide a reliable long-term service for customers and staff. According to recent research by LCP Delta, 74% of UK EV drivers would more frequently visit destinations with charging facilities. The chargers at Chantry Place have been selected to reflect the average dwell time, with 22kW fast chargers adding around 90 miles range in an hour. The first eight charging bays are now open in the centre’s lower-level car park, with the second phase set to bring eight more in its upper-level car park. For Zest, Chantry Place is the latest in a rapid series of retail destination projects that includes Metrocentre in the North-East and Merry Hill in the West Midlands. For Chantry Place, named in Trip Advisor’s top five places to shop in Norfolk, this is the latest in a long list of sustainability innovations. The centre has already implemented carbon-reducing features such as natural ventilation, the latest LED lighting, and 772 solar panels on its roof. Paul McCarthy of Savills, General Manager of Chantry Place, said: ““Our aim is to provide an unrivalled retail and dining experience in Norwich and provide everything under one roof for shoppers. We are incredibly proud of the 1,000-space car park we offer and being sustainable is a huge priority for us, so we are incredibly grateful to Zest for their support and putting these EV chargers at Chantry Place.” Robin Heap, Zest CEO said: “We know that people just want to charge where they park as part of their normal routine. Retail destinations, like Chantry Place, that respond now to this demand are those that will thrive as new EV drivers establish their charging habits.”
