Posts from November 2024

Wilko has made its return to West London after opening a new store at The Pavilions Shopping Centre in Uxbridge. The variety retailer’s new 30,000 sq ft store offers a range of products across categories such as cleaning and laundry, decorating and DIY, home and garden, and pet care. Customers are also be able to access Wilko’s full range of products via self-service terminals, with options for home delivery and click-and-collect. The Uxbridge opening follows a period of expansion for Wilko following its acquisition by CDS Superstores, which has seen it recently open stores in Poole, Exeter, Luton, Plymouth, St Albans, and Rotherham. Alex Simpkin, CEO of CDS Superstores, trading as The Range and Wilko, said: “We’re thrilled with the warm welcome we’ve received in Uxbridge today, marking a very positive start to our residence here at The Pavilions. “It’s great to see the local community’s enthusiasm for wilko’s return, and we’re determined to continue providing quality products at great value prices as even more shoppers visit our Uxbridge store in the coming months.”

Deals

Caffè Concerto makes northern debut at Victoria Leeds

European-style restaurant chain Caffè Concerto has opened its first location in the north at Redical’s Victoria Leeds. Located within Victoria Gate, the 2,000 sq ft restaurant features an art deco-inspired bar and accommodates up to 138 covers alongside outdoor seating. Caffè Concerto Leeds offers a range of menu choices including Italian-inspired classics, afternoon tea, and cakes. The restaurant becomes the brand’s 22nd in the UK, with Caffè Concerto operating 20 locations in Greater London and one at Birmingham’s Grand Central Station. It joins a food and beverage line-up at Victoria Leeds which includes the likes of The Ivy, The Ivy Asia and The Cut & Craft. Rachel Bradburn, leasing director at Victoria Leeds, said: “Caffè Concerto’s decision to open its first northern restaurant at Victoria Leeds is a testament to our reputation as one of the UK’s most trusted luxury retail and leisure destinations. Its decadent menu, elegant decor, and vibrant al fresco space will elevate our food and drink offer, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences.”

Deals

Zara opens upsized store at Bullring & Grand Central

Zara has opened the doors to its upsized, 51,000 sq ft store at Hammerson’s Bullring & Grand Central in Birmingham. The new store features the fashion retailer’s latest store concept and offers a range of womenswear, menswear, and childrenswear across two floors. The launch comes less than a year after the opening of fellow Inditex brands Bershka and Pull&Bear at Bullring & Grand Central. Zara becomes the latest in a series of brands which have made significant commitments to Bullring & Grand Central in recent months. This includes Sephora, which last week made its West Midlands debut on the Bullring’s upper level, as well as YouTube collective The Sidemen, which opened its second-ever SDMN Clothing store in mid-October. They joined PURESEOUL, with the Korean beauty brand having opened only its second store outside of London at the scheme at the beginning of October. Toby Tait, director of asset management at Hammerson, said: “Zara’s upsize is the latest step in the implementation of our strategy to best-in-class spaces for global brands seeking a flagship presence in destinations that out-perform. The impact on visitors is immense, with Bullring & Grand Central’s evolving line-up increasing footfall and sales, driving customer loyalty and generating...

News

ODEON premieres in Cambridgeshire at Peterborough’s Queensgate

ODEON Cinemas has opened its first ever venue in Cambridgeshire at Queensgate in Peterborough, anchoring the scheme’s £60m leisure extension. Located on the scheme’s third floor, the cinema operator has opened a 27,500 sq ft, eight-screen venue which features IMAX screens and 600 seats. The cinema also provides a food and beverage offer which includes hot meals as well as classics such as pop corn and chocolate treats. ODEON’s arrival at Queensgate forms part of a £60m investment from scheme owner Invesco into creating a new leisure destination, which is already home to operators such as indoor mini-golf brand Putt and Play. This leisure hub has been created to complement Queensgate’s retail offer, which includes the likes of Primark and H&M, and will soon welcome Frasers and Sports Direct. Ed Ginn, director of investment management at Invesco Real Estate, said: “Bringing a cinema to Queensgate has been at the top of our agenda, with our focus on enhancing the overall experience within the destination and providing that pull factor for the community that is currently lacking in the city centre. We knew integrating a cinema however would take significant investment, something we wanted to put into action because we really...

Deals News

CBRE appointed to Derbion’s leasing team

Real estate advisory firm CBRE has been appointed to the leasing team at Derbion, working alongside FHP on a joint agency basis. The CBRE team joining the Derby scheme is made up of Stephen Proudley, Emi Turner, Amy Carroll, and Lucia Sanderson, who between them bring 46 years of combined experience across the Central London and regional markets. The firm’s shopping centre leasing team has significant experience on major regional shopping centres across the country, and forms part of CBRE’s wider 120-strong UK retail team. Over the past four years, Derbion has undergone a repositioning and shift in growth strategy. This has seen the scheme introduce an improved fashion and branded offering alongside more quality restaurant and leisure facilities. Since 2021, Derbion has benefitted from around £35m of retailer investment, including new stores, refits, and upsizes. CBRE said it will make use of the centre’s customer insight and data to attract exciting retail occupiers, whilst also enhancing Derbion’s leisure facilities to ensure the centre continues to offer a full family-day out. The scheme hosts popular brands such as Next, Zara, Mango, Goldsmiths, M&S, Hobbs, Hugo Boss, Frasers, and Flannels. In 2024 alone, the centre has welcomed the likes of Castore...

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Luxury jeweller opens first store in Essex at Lakeside shopping centre

Luxury jeweller Chisholm Hunter has opened its first store in Essex at Lakeside Shopping Centre. The 7,000 sq ft boutique is one of the brand’s largest spaces with the opening representing a significant step in its ongoing expansion. Chisholm Hunter at Lakeside Shopping Centre features products from a range of world-renowned brands including OMEGA, TUDOR, IWC, PANERAI, GUCCI, Longines, and Montblanc. The boutique also offers Chisholm Hunter’s own collection of exclusive jewellery, including engagement and wedding rings, diamonds, gemstones, and a newly-launched lab-grown diamond range. Customers are also able to access a diamond lounge and champagne bar, designed for private consultations and exclusive events. The store features dedicated brand spaces, including an OMEGA showroom spanning approximately 1,000 sq ft and one of the UK’s largest TUDOR shops. Max Brown, retail director of Chisholm Hunter, said: “We are incredibly excited to have opened our first boutique in Essex, especially within such a prestigious location as Lakeside. This is an exciting step forward for us and we’re thrilled to connect with both local clients and international visitors, offering a luxury experience that aligns with our commitment to exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and client care.” Rob Jewell, managing director of asset management at Pradera...

Deals News

Property services company achieves B Corp certification

North West-based property services company The Momentum Group has achieved B Corporation (B Corp) Certification. The firm joins a global community of businesses deemed to meet high standards of social and environmental impact. Administered by B Lab, B Corp assesses businesses across five impact areas: governance, workers, community, environment, and customers. The Momentum Group scored particularly highly for the ‘community’ category, and was noted for its philanthropic arm, the Momentum Foundation, which supports a number of charities. The Momentum Group – which provides services to property clients including Grosvenor, Sovereign Centros from CBRE, Redevco, and Glenbrook – becomes one of just 3,124 UK businesses to receive B Corp certification. This equates to less than 0.06% of all UK companies, with fewer than 20 located in the Liverpool City Region, where The Momentum Group is based. Chris Bliss and Chris Renshaw, co-founders and directors of The Momentum Group, said: “Becoming a B Corp Certified business is one of our most significant achievements. It has only been possible though because everyone in The Momentum Group shares our commitment to the company being socially and environmentally responsible in everything it does. We thank the team and hope they are as proud of this as...

News

Womenswear brand makes bricks-and-mortar debut at Covent Garden’s Seven Dials

Contemporary womenswear brand Saint + Sofia has opened its debut bricks-and-mortar store at Covent Garden’s Seven Dials. Located at 35 Monmouth Street, the 1,600 sq ft flagship offers a curated selection of womenswear and accessories, including handbags and footwear. Designed as a boutique shopping experience, Saint + Sofia at Seven Dials allows customers to preview new collections and store-unique products, with items refreshed weekly. The store also offers a number of in-store events and talks with a focus on design, music, and creativity. Saint + Sofia adds to Seven Dials’ line-up of debuts from a range of brands, including the recently-opened Axel Arigato flagship, as well as a new heritage concept store from British lifestyle brand Barbour, and the launch of menswear retailer NN.07’s first standalone space. William Oliver, retail leasing director at Shaftesbury Capital, said: “Covent Garden’s Seven Dials neighbourhood has seen incredible momentum, Saint + Sofia is the latest example of an innovative digitally native brand choosing this neighbourhood for their debut UK physical store. We are committed to evolving the neighbourhood’s offer, partnering with independent and global brands that are making their bricks and mortar debuts. Each is unique in offer but come together as a collective...

Deals News

Menswear brand opens first standalone store in Scotland at Braehead

Menswear brand Remus Uomo has opened its first standalone store in Scotland at Glasgow’s Braehead Shopping Centre. The new 2,500 sq ft store is located on the upper level of the scheme and introduces a new concept, aimed to deliver a relaxed and welcoming shopping experience. Remus Uomo at Braehead Shopping Centre offers the brand’s latest ranges of tailoring and casualwear, including its Autumn/Winter 2024 collection. The new store joins other popular menswear retailers at Braehead Shopping Centre, including Next, River Island, Flannels, Marks & Spencer, Jack and Jones, and H&M. Rob Jewell, managing director of asset management at Pradera Lateral, said: “The opening of Remus Uomo reflects Braehead Shopping Centre’s ongoing commitment to providing its shoppers with the best brands and retail experiences. Remus Uomo’s unique concept store adds another dimension to the wide range of men’s fashion that is already available in the centre.” The news follows the recent opening of Castore at Braehead Shopping Centre, with the sportswear brand taking a 1,482 sq ft unit.

Deals News

Catella APAM brings pair of openings to Norwich’s Chantry Place

Catella APAM, acting on behalf of Greater Manchester Pension Fund, has welcomed Rosa’s Thai and ProCook to Chantry Place in Norwich. In line with the restaurant’s heritage, Rosa’s Thai opened with a traditional Thai blessing ceremony – led by monks from the Wat Arun Norfolk Buddhist Temple – which included chants, prayers, and rituals. Meanwhile, ProCook has brought its range of cookware, tablewear, and kitchen appliances to Chantry Place. Customers are able to explore products such as cast-iron cookware and customisable cookware sets, whilst also receiving advice from the in-store team. Nathan Reidy, associate director at Catella APAM, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Rosa’s Thai and ProCook to Chantry Place. These openings mark an exciting step in our ongoing efforts to create a diverse and dynamic destination. With more new openings to come ahead of Christmas, we are committed to enhancing the visitor experience at Chantry Place.”

Deals

Whittard of Chelsea upsizes at Nottingham’s Victoria Centre

Beverage brand Whittard of Chelsea has opened a new, larger store at the Victoria Centre in Nottingham. The 872 sq ft store offers the brand’s range of signature premium teas, coffees, and hot chocolates. The new branch is also Whittard of Chelsea’s third to feature its updated store fit and the first outside of London to do so. The brand currently operates 43 stores nationwide, with the new location forming part of an ongoing strategy to expand its presence across the UK. Rob Jewell, managing director, asset management at Pradera Lateral said: “Whittard’s new store not only enhances Victoria Centre’s diverse retail offering but also brings an elevated shopping experience with its modern shop fit and premium product range. Its presence will resonate with the centre’s customers, and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to signing tenants that bring new and exciting brands to shoppers in Nottingham.” Steve Flanagan, marketing and product director at Whittard, added: “As the retail landscape in Nottingham evolves, the Victoria Centre’s growing tenant mix, impressive footfall, and loyal customer base presented the perfect opportunity for us to expand our presence. “The larger unit allows us to enhance our product range and create a more engaging shopping experience for...

Deals News

Darlington shopping centre completes over 30,000 sq ft of deals in 2024

The Cornmill Shopping Centre in Darlington, County Durham has announced a number of lease renewals, with the scheme having welcomed a total of over 30,000 sq ft of renewals and new lettings in 2024. Leading brands including HMV, Tesco, Superdrug, The Works, H. Samuel have all recommitted to the scheme, alongside new arrivals Shoezone and Stride Footwear. These renewals demonstrate a confidence in the shopping centre, which this year so far has welcomed over 2.7 million visitors. Zoe France, centre manager at the Cornmill Shopping Centre, said “The continued loyalty of our long-standing retailers demonstrates their confidence in the Cornmill and the opportunities it provides. We’re thrilled to welcome new tenants who will diversify our offerings and enhance the shopping experience for our visitors. This is an exciting time for the Cornmill as we prepare for a busy Christmas season with free, family-friendly events to support the community and drive footfall.” David Reisner, director of Davlea Estates, asset manager of the Cornmill Centre, added “The Cornmill Centre is a prime example of a well-managed retail destination that continues to evolve and thrive despite challenges in the wider retail sector. National retailers staying with us shows the strength of Darlington’s market,...

Deals

Dunelm enters ROI market with acquisition of soft furnishings retailer

Dunelm has entered the Republic of Ireland market for the first time with the acquisition of an Irish soft furnishings retailer. Homefocus Group – which trades under the ‘Home Focus at Hickeys’ brand – operates 13 stores in the ROI alongside home delivery and click-and-collect services. The brand specialises in fabrics, with a focus on home categories such as curtains and bedding. Dunelm said the acquisition provides an “attractive opportunity” to connect with more customers by entering a new geography, which it said has a homewares market worth over £1bn. The acquisition provides the retailer with coverage across the ROI, through Home Focus’ portfolio of smaller stores, which are all less than 10,000 sq ft in size. Earlier this year, Dunelm said it was “increasingly confident” in its smaller format stores. The retailer said it sees potential to offer a broader range of products in Home Focus stores, in line with its existing smaller format stores in the UK. Dunelm added that it sees an opportunity to introduce a more comprehensive online proposition and in time will assess new store opportunities across Ireland. Nick Wilkinson, CEO of Dunelm, said: “In Home Focus we have found a high-quality and complementary business,...

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British Land: Retail park exposure “paying off”

The chief executive of British Land Simon Carter has said the real estate investment trust’s high exposure to retail parks is “paying off”. This comes as the group releases a report for the six-month period ending 30th September 2024, during which it made £456m of non-core disposals and invested £711m into retail parks. These disposals included British Land’s sale of its stake in Meadowhall, completed in July. During the period, the REIT recorded an underlying profit of £143m, a year-on-year increase of 1%. The group’s retail park occupancy rate is now at 99%, and its retail park portfolio valuation has increased by 5.1% since April. Since the period end, the group has also raised £301m via an equity placing. Simon Carter said: “We are pleased the operational and financial momentum in our business continues. Strong levels of leasing ahead of ERV and sustained cost discipline enabled us to grow profits again, despite significant development activity, which will be a key driver of future profit growth. Our values were up 0.2%, with a particularly strong performance in retail parks offsetting residual yield movement in campuses. “Since April, we have disposed of £456m of non-core assets and rapidly deployed £711m into retail...

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Dozens of Homebase stores hit the market following administration – full list

Administrators have placed 74 leasehold Homebase stores on the market following the DIY retailer’s collapse into administration. Teneo Financial Advisory has appointed Harvey Spack Field to market the properties, which range in size between 15,455 sq ft and 1.19m sq ft. Unconditional premium offers have been invited in respect of individual sites, with multi-site or portfolio offers considered. Potential buyers have been given until 29th November 2024 to submit an offer. This comes after The Range acquired 75 Homebase properties in a pre-pack deal. Here are the locations of the properties placed on the market:

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Starbucks brews up The Centre Livingston opening

Starbucks is set to open a new café in Livingston after signing a 15-year lease at The Centre. Opening in February 2025, the coffeehouse chain has agreed a deal to take 3,174 sq ft of space across units 305a and 305b. The signing follows the recent news that The Centre, Livingston is set to expand its leisure offering with the arrival of bowling operator Hollywood Bowl. Neil Woodward, asset manager for The Centre, Livingston, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Starbucks to The Centre, Livingston. Their arrival highlights the attractiveness of the Centre as a key retail and leisure hub. Starbucks will undoubtedly enhance the visitor experience, offering a great spot to relax and recharge while enjoying world-class coffee.” Rakesh Joshi, director at LCP, added: “This deal reflects our commitment to attracting high-quality brands to our properties. Starbucks is a fantastic addition that aligns perfectly with our strategy of providing a diverse mix of tenants to meet the needs of the local community. We look forward to seeing their success at The Centre, Livingston.” EYCO acted for LCP.

Deals

Hotel Chocolat to open concept store at Newcastle’s Eldon Square