The boss of the company that owns Westquay has announced plans to step down.

Rita-Rose Gagné has been chief executive of Hammerson, the firm that runs the Southampton shopping centre, for five years.

But she has now confirmed that she will retire from the company in 2026 once her successor is found.

Ms Gagné said: "With the business in great shape, a strong team, and significant opportunities ahead, it is an exciting time for Hammerson and the right time for me to pass on the baton."

Hammerson owns and manages a number of retail destinations across the UK, including Cabot Circus in Bristol, Brent Cross in London, and the Bullring in Birmingham.

Ms Gagné will remain in post for the next 12 months to support the search for her successor and ensure a smooth transition.

Robert Noel, chairman of Hammerson, said she had "driven a substantial turnaround" and transformed the company "into the largest UK-listed, pure-play owner and manager of prime retail and leisure anchored city destinations".

The company recorded underlying earnings of £99 million in 2023, down 15 per cent from the previous year, following the sale of several retail assets.