News
Under new ownership: What’s next for Huddersfield’s Kingsgate Shopping Centre?
9th March 2026Kingsgate Shopping Centre in Huddersfield was recently acquired by Northdale Advisors for approximately £32m. The 280,000 sq ft scheme was sold by WD Ltd at the end of last year after 23 years of ownership. But what’s next for Kingsgate Shopping Centre under its new ownership? Completely Retail News were given an exclusive tour of the centre, and spoke to asset manager Steve Bateman about the future of the scheme. “When I started in asset management, tenant mix was the priority, especially with a focus on bringing in big names in fashion”, says Bateman, “but the whole sector has changed.” “The question as an asset manager is: how do you reposition a centre to suit its catchment?”, he asks. Bateman has been involved with Kingsgate for nearly two years prior to Northdale’s acquisition, and previously worked on assets such as the Victoria Centre in Harrogate and Woolshops in Halifax. He also spent 15 years at LaSalle Investment Management, working on asset management mandates of varying sizes across the country. (pictured: Steve Bateman) To understand Kingsgate Shopping Centre it’s important to understand Huddersfield as a whole. The Yorkshire town has a history that’s based in the textiles industry, thus becoming a […]
Deals
M&G and Warner Bros. brew up debut UK flagship Harry Potter store on Oxford Street
5th March 2026M&G has reached an agreement with Warner Bros. Global Experiences that will see the opening of the UK’s first flagship Harry Potter store on London’s Oxford Street. The two-storey store will be located at The Ribbon, M&G’s £250m redevelopment, and feature licensed merchandise from the film series alongside interactive experiences. Occupying a site once home to Victorian drapers, The Ribbon takes its name from Oxford Street’s fashion-led heritage. The site has undergone a multimillion pound redevelopment, backed by patient capital from M&G’s £130bn With‑Profits Fund, including the £68 billion PruFund. M&G said the letting exemplifies the ‘shop-and-experience’ trend, where leading retailers vie for prime spots in central locations to create more social and immersive experiences. Research commissioned by M&G found that half of UK adults view dining and entertainment as essential to the shopping experience, with 62% citing leisure activities as a key reason for visiting towns and city centre. Martin Towns, global head of real estate at M&G Real Estate, said: “London’s Oxford Street continues to attract world‑leading brands and we’re delighted to welcome Warner Bros. Discovery to The Ribbon later this year. The team behind this world‑class development is supporting the opening of the UK’s first flagship Harry […]
Requirements
Independent gym operator seeking more sites
19th February 2026Family-run gym operator Simply Gym has released its latest list of requirements as it looks to open more sites within major towns and cities across the South West and the Midlands. Simply Gym, which currently operates eight locations, is seeking units ranging between 15,000 sq ft and 45,000 sq ft, with a minimum floor-to-ceiling height of 2.6 metres. Suitable units will be set across ground and/or first floors, with splits considered, and will also be supplemented by strong parking availability. Leasehold or freehold properties will be considered. Target locations include: FHP has been appointed to find suitable locations.
Insights
“It’s the landlords that can’t keep up with our pace”: Rodd & Gunn’s Mike Beagley on the brand’s UK expansion, its “honest” approach, and his ambition to open a pub
27th February 2026New Zealand-based menswear brand Rodd & Gunn’s expansion into the UK physical retail market has been steadily gaining momentum. In 2025, the brand opened four new stores and is now targeting double-digit openings across the UK in 2026 and is in discussions to secure its first shopping centre locations. These targets are backed by strong growth in sales, which were up by 19% on a like-for-like basis in stores and 26% online in 2025. “Our covenant is strong, we’ve got a global business and it’s been growing consistently over a long period of time”, says Mike Beagley, CEO of Rodd & Gunn. “Retail is a tough business, but it’s also very rewarding if you put the effort in” he tells Completely Retail News. He’s speaking from Auckland, where it’s a late summer evening. “It’s the reason I’m up working at this time of night and will be on later”, he says. On this side of the planet, the retailer is now looking to expand its current estate. Rodd & Gunn currently operates 10 standalone stores in the UK – located in London, Exeter, Bath, Winchester, Cheltenham, Chester, York, Ashford, Glasgow, and Edinburgh – with four more set to open by […]
News
Stockford Anderson to rebrand
9th March 2026London-based out-of-town specialist Stockford Anderson is set to rebrand to Moreton Property LLP. The agency’s team currently comprises Matthew Stockford, Tom Watson, James Welch, and new recruit Alistair Crossdale. Stockford Anderson has advised on some notable transactions over the past few years, including the £600m sale of the Brookfield retail warehouse portfolio to British Land and the £75m sale of the ALMCOR portfolio to Realty Income Corporation. Tom Watson said: “Following the departure of Paul Anderson in October 2025, and the recent recruitment of Ali Crossdale, this transitional moment called for a renaming of the partnership. Our highly experience, specialist team will continue to provide a top level of service to all our valued clients.” Alistair Crossdale joins the team following a career in professional rugby. During his top-level, professional career, he played for Sale, Saracens and Perpignan.
