A SHOPPING centre owner says past recessionary experiences stand it in good stead to fend off Brexit indecision.

New River Retail claims it is primed to continue its expansion, despite admitting the economy faces a “prolonged period of uncertainty”.

The operator, which took on Darlington’s Cornmill Centre earlier this year, said continued demand from retailers for space, allied to business rates changes, means it can look towards 2017 with confidence.

Its assurance was revealed yesterday (Thursday, November 17) when officials unveiled half-year financial results that showed net income was 19 per cent higher than a year ago at £38.3m.

David Lockhart, chief executive, said: “We founded the company in 2009 during a severe recession and have consistently created value through our proven business model.

“The first half of the year has been another busy period.

“Post the referendum, operationally it has been business as usual.”

Paul Wright, director of New River’s northern properties, previously told The Northern Echo it had big plans for the Cornmill.

He added: “There is no point in us coming in and sitting still.

"We don’t work like that, we don’t like mediocrity.”