Posts from January 2026

The King’s Cross Group has recorded a “major uplift” in retail sales in 2025 across its London estate, led by its Coal Drops Yard development. Across the group, sales were up by 13.5% year-on-year in 2025, with retail sales increasing by 16% and food and beverage sales up by 10%. Coal Drops Yard saw the steepest rise, recording a 20% increase in sales. Recent brand openings at the destination include UNIQLO, Joe & The Juice, and Midnight Pantry. Jane Macdiarmid, head of retail at The King’s Cross Group, said: “Whilst I’ve only been at King’s Cross for a short while, I am proud to see such impressive sales growth at this already proven location over the last year, especially given the current economic backdrop. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of our evolving retail strategy and put King’s Cross in a fantastic position for the year ahead. By continuing to invest in brilliant brands and experiences, we’re creating a place that attracts repeat visits, delivers strong returns for our retailers and enhances the overall proposition for our customers.” As the development of King’s Cross nears completion, a number of leasing opportunities have become available, including 20,000 sq ft of retail space in...

News

Newly-developed Clapham retail asset hits the market

A newly-developed retail asset in Clapham, London has been placed on the investment market. Offers are being invited for 161-163 Clapham High Street, which comprises two self-contained ground floor retail units, let to Holland & Barrett and Vision Express. Located in close proximity to Clapham Common Underground Station, the asset produces a rental income of £267,500 per annum and has a weighted average unexpired lease term of 9.12 years to expiry and 7.18 years to break. Nearby retailers include M&S, Little Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Five Guys, WHSmith, and Boots. Offers are invited for the virtual freehold interest of the stores, although the vendor would also consider offers for the entire building. The upper floors provide 14 self-contained residential flats, which have been sold off on long leases and have a separate entrance off Clapham High Street. These would be included in a potential sale of the freehold interest of the entire building. Sales for each of the stores individually will also be considered. In addition there is a 10 space car park to the rear of the property, which the vendor would also consider including in a sale. Green & Partners and Jackson Criss have been appointed to market the properties.

News

H Samuel to more than triple its size at Nottingham’s Victoria Centre

H Samuel is set to more than triple the size of its only store in Nottingham at the Victoria Centre. The jeweller’s new relocated space will feature H Samuel’s latest concept, which looks to deliver a modern and experience-led environment designed to drive customer engagement and dwell time. The upgraded space allows the Nottingham store to stock more products and is set to introduce several new watch brands, including Timex, Ingersoll, Garmin, Lorus, Michael Kors, and Fossil. The store also introduces a range of new features, including a dedicated ear-piercing studio, watch shop-in-shop displays, expanded gold wall concepts, a bespoke jewellery design and consultation area, modern digital screens and lighting, and new customer seating areas. Rebecca Milnes-James, asset manager at Pradera Lateral, said: “We are delighted to support H Samuel’s significant investment at Victoria Centre. This relocation demonstrates the strength of the centre as a destination for national brands looking to upsize, modernise and invest for the long term. Enhancements like this play a key role in driving footfall, improving dwell time and strengthening the overall retail mix for our customers.” Neil Old, managing director of Signet Jewellers UK and Ireland, added: “This significant investment demonstrates our dedication to local high streets...

Deals News

RLAM welcomes Swedish fashion house to complete trio of New Bond Street pre-lets

Royal London Asset Management (RLAM) has secured Swedish luxury fashion house Acne Studios for the corner store at its Mayfair Quarter scheme on London’s New Bond Street. The brand will take approximately 5,800 sq ft at the junction of New Bond Street and Brook Street, following on from its recent openings in Paris, Beijing, Tokyo, and Bangkok. The store is situated in part of RLAM’ swider Mayfair Quarter redevelopment – a 1.3-acre mixed-use scheme bounded by New Bond Street, Brook Street, and Avery Row. The project will look to deliver new public realm, improved pedestrian routes, enhanced green space, and upgraded retail and leisure facilities. This comes after recent lettings by RLAM at 111/117 New Bond Street and 128-129 Bond Street to Peter Millar and Dunhill, respectively. The trio of pre-lets extend to a total of 16,800 sq ft. Royal London Asset Management Property was advised by Savills and Colliers. Acne Studios was advised by Leslie Perkins. Moira Hamilton, senior asset manager at Royal London Asset Management Property, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Acne Studios to Mayfair Quarter. This flagship is an important addition to Bond Street and follows recent lettings to Peter Millar and Dunhill. These brands strengthen our ambition...

Deals News

Wickes seeks new sites to support “ambitious growth plans”

Wickes has released its latest property requirements to support its “ambitious growth plans” across the UK. The DIY retailer – which operates over 230 stores across the UK – is seeking units with a gross internal area of up to 25,000 sq ft with a minimum of 40 car parking spaces. Ideal units will be located within retail parks and trade parks, however the retailer will also consider standalone units and new developments. Leasehold and freehold units will both be considered. The retailer opened five new stores in 2025. Wickes’ nationwide corporate advisors Park Place Retail have been retained to find suitable locations in Central and South East England, as well as North Wales. Sansom Commercial have been appointed to procure suitable units in South West England and South Wales, while Wright Buchanan Property Consultants have been appointed in the north of England and Scotland. Whitestone Retail and Leisure are leading on development and land opportunities.

News Requirements

Next acquires footwear retailer Russell & Bromley in pre-pack administration deal

Next has acquired footwear retailer Russell & Bromley in a pre-pack administration deal. The acquisition includes Russell & Bromley’s brand, intellectual property, and three of its stores, together valued at £2.5m. Next will also pay £1.3m for a portion of the footwear retailer’s stock. The three stores included in the deal are located in London’s Chelsea and Mayfair, and Bluewater shopping centre in Kent. Russell & Bromley’s remaining 33 stores and nine concessions will remain open and trading while the retailer’s adminstrators from Interpath assess its options. Will Wright, chief executive of Interpath, said: “Across its 147-year history, Russell & Bromley has been at the forefront of contemporary style. We’re pleased therefore to have concluded this transaction, which will preserve the brand and the commitment to quality craftmanship that it has become so well known for. “Our intention is to continue to trade the remaining portfolio of stores for as long as we can, while we explore the options available.” Andrew Bromley, chief executive of Russell & Bromley, added: “Following a strategic review with external advisers, we have taken the difficult decision to sell the Russell & Bromley brand. This is the best route to secure the future for the...

News

Merry Hill sees record sales and performance in 2025 following 300,000 sq ft of deals

Merry Hill has announced record performance in 2025, with the West Midlands scheme seeing year-on-year increases in sales and footfall of 4.3% and 5%, respectively. These results came as Merry Hill completed more than 40 leasing transactions over the course of the year, covering 300,000 sq ft. Footfall growth remained robust throughout the year, with standout performance in the Golden Quarter, which had a footfall increase of 5.5% compared to 2024. As a result, Merry Hill outperformed the BRC’s industry benchmark of -5.1%, and wider super-regional benchmarks of +2.7% year-to-date. As part of a £20m investment across the scheme in 2025, Merry Hill also completed a refurbishment of the Lower Retail Park, delivering 34,000 sq ft of new space and resulting in a fully let site. New openings at the retail park included B&Q, Bensons for Beds, Costa Coffee, as well as M&S’s landmark 100,000 sq ft flagship. Further retail investment included openings from Lovisa and Flying Tiger, alongside the UK’s largest Savers and the country’s first standalone of Apple Premium Partner ‘Select’. Meanwhile, established occupiers reinvested in the scheme, with upsizes from the likes of Goldsmiths, EE, and Hotel Chocolat. This investment extended into the centre’s leisure quarter, with...

News

Inception Group signs for flagship location in Covent Garden’s market building

Inception Group, which operates hospitality concepts across London, has signed for a flagship space within Covent Garden’s Market Building. Opening this Summer under the Mr Fogg’s brand, the venue will occupy 4,500 sq ft of space, accommodating up to 130 covers. It will feature the brand’s signature Victorian-style interiors, as well as a 65-seater courtyard housed within the Market Building. Emma Matus, head of restaurant leasing at Shaftesbury Capital, said: “The signing of Mr Fogg’s within the historic Market Building represents a strong addition to Covent Garden’s food and beverage offer. The Market Building is globally recognised as one of the most iconic retail and leisure spaces, which means securing concepts that align with our distinctive heritage, global appeal, and emphasis on experience is important. This location is an excellent fit for Inception Group, and we look forward to welcoming them later this year.” Charlie Gilkes, co-founder of Inception Group, added: “It’s a huge honour to be opening one of our tavern concepts in such a heritage location, and we are very grateful to Shaftesbury Capital for the opportunity. There are so many stunning, original features in this beautiful listed Market Building and we are really looking forward to welcoming...

Deals News

Third Space to open 50,000 sq ft club at Landsec’s O2 Centre

Luxury health club operator Third Space is set to open a new 50,000 sq ft club at Landsec’s O2 Centre on Finchley Road, North West London. Opening in 2027, the new club will feature gym facilities, a swimming pool, and dedicated areas for health, recovery, and relaxation. The addition of Third Space forms part of Landsec’s wider commitment to delivering improvements to the O2 Centre as it looks to transform the 14-acre site over the next decade. Beyond leisure and retail, a live planning application is proposing thousands of new homes, as well as community spaces and improved connections. Mark Warne, director of hospitality and leisure at Landsec, said: “Third Space will bring a best-in-class wellness experience to Finchley Road, helping to create a destination that people can enjoy every day. “It’s an exciting first step in the wider transformation of the O2 Centre into a thriving, well-connected residential neighbourhood. With further investment committed, our longer-term vision encompasses not only a top-tier retail, dining, leisure and wellness destination, but a vibrant community designed to strengthen local connections and benefit everyone who lives, works and spends time here.” Colin Waggett, CEO, at Third Space, added: “This is a fabulous opportunity to bring...

Deals News

British Land ends 2025 with over 500,000 sq ft of retail leasing deals

British Land ended 2025 with the completion of 502,000 sq ft retail leasing deals in the final quarter, including 383,000 sq ft of deals completed within its retail park portfolio. The real estate investment trust (REIT) said these deals were completed at 12.0% ahead of estimated rental value (ERV), and that it also had another 727,000 sq ft of deals under offer, 12.5% ahead of ERV. Within British Land’s retail park portfolio, occupancy reached 99% by the end of the year, with footfall up by 2.2% year-on-year. Across the REIT’s entire portfolio, British Land completed 882,000 sq ft of leasing deals in the three months to 31 December 2025, 8.5% ahead of ERV. Simon Carter, chief executive of British Land, said: “In the third quarter we continued to build on the leasing momentum we saw in the first half, delivering 882,000 sq ft of leasing across 151 deals, 8.5% ahead of ERV, and 10.2% ahead of previous passing rent. Strong occupational fundamentals across our London campuses and retail parks are driving deals ahead of previous passing rent and supporting the lease up of our developments.”

News

Oriental supermarket chain looks to add new sites to basket

Oriental supermarket retailer Wing Yip has released its latest requirements as the chain looks to open between six and eight new stores this year. The retailer is seeking units ranging between 2,500 sq ft and 6,000 sq ft, preferably over one level. Target locations include Kingston upon Thames, Ealing, Stratford, Bromley, Guildford, and Reading. Wing Yip currently operates four superstores in Birmingham, Croydon, Manchester, and Cricklewood, and recently launched a smaller convenience format, Wing Yip Didi, in Watford. Dutch & Dutch Property have been appointed to find suitable locations.

News Requirements

Trafford Centre adds Korean street food brand to F&B lineup

Trafford Centre in Manchester is set to add Bunsik to its food and beverage lineup, with the Korean street food brand joining the scheme this June. The new restaurant will offer a menu that includes Korean corn dogs, tteokbokki, fried chicken, and kimbap. Bunsik will join recent F&B additions at Trafford Centre such as Joe & The Juice and Jerk Chicken. F&B has been the second-fastest growing category at the scheme, recording a year-on-year sales increase of 9.8% as of October 2025. Kitty Vaughan, head of UK F&B and leisure at Pradera Lateral, asset manager of Trafford Centre, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Bunsik to Trafford Centre later this spring. The brand adds new and further depth to our offering, supporting our position as a leading venue for retail, leisure and dining. There continues to be strong demand from innovative operators looking to secure space at Trafford Centre, and Bunsik’s arrival is another positive example of this.”

Deals

Nottingham’s Victoria Centre to open independent food hall destination

The Victoria Centre in Nottingham is set to open a new food hall destination within its Clocktower dining quarter, in partnership with creative collective Blend Family. Set to open this summer, Clocktower Works will span 17,500 sq ft and bring 14 independent food brands, as well as a bar and coffee shop, under one roof. The venue will join Blend Family’s expanding portfolio of food halls, including Cutlery Works and Cambridge Street Collective in Sheffield, Kargo MKT in Salford Quays, Tower Bridge Collective in London, and the upcoming Alfred Works in Digbeth, Birmingham. Rebecca Milnes-James, asset manager at Pradera Lateral, said: “The arrival of Blend Family marks a major milestone in our strategy to differentiate and elevate Victoria Centre’s F&B offer. Our focus is on creating a dynamic, experience-led destination that attracts a diverse audience and reinforces the centre’s role at the heart of the city. Blend’s scale, ambition and community-first approach will elevate Clocktower Works and make a significant contribution to Nottingham’s wider day to evening economy.” Matt Bigland, co-founder of Blend Family, added: “This is an opportunity to become part of a growing network that champions diversity, creativity, quality, and community to help shape Nottingham’s next landmark food destination....

Deals News

Derbion fashions FatFace signing

The Derbion shopping centre is set to add FatFace to its fashion lineup. The retailer – which specialises in lifestyle clothing and accessories for men and women – has agreed a five-year lease for a 1,830 sq ft unit at the Derby shopping centre. FatFace’s arrival follows the recent additions of Crew Clothing, Victoria’s Secret, Seasalt, Luke 1977, and Castore to the fashion lineup at Derbion. Primark is also set to relocate to the scheme in 2027. Alongside these new arrivals, Derbion also secured 11 lease renewals, regears, refits, and relocations last year, with occupiers including Footlocker, Moss, H Samuel, Pandora, and AllSaints investing in their existing spaces. Beth McDonald, managing director at Derbion said: “We are delighted to welcome FatFace as the latest addition to our diverse fashion offering. FatFace is the latest example of how our leasing strategy is transforming Derbion as we secure new retail brands to broaden our offer to customers. “FatFace will be a popular addition among our shoppers and helps enhance our reputation as the East Midlands’ home of big name fashion brands.” Karen Johnston, stores director at FatFace, said: “Derbion is an exciting destination and we’re pleased to be opening a new FatFace...

Deals News

Touchwood Solihull records strong 2025 trading and footfall

Touchwood Solihull in the West Midlands recorded strong trading performance in 2025, with the scheme seeing a rise in footfall and leasing activity and the shopping centre operating at near full occupancy. Over the course of 2025, footfall at Touchwood rose to 11.2m visitors, with particularly strong performance in the final quarter which saw a year-on-year increase of 2.3%. In December, footfall rose by 2.6% compared to 2024. The scheme also completed over 80,000 sq ft of leasing activity in 2025. Notable deals included Apple opening a new store – which more than tripled its presence at the centre – as well as new arrivals including Space NK, Sweaty Betty, and Lisa Angel. Last year also saw the expansion of Touchwood’s leisure and restaurant offer, with US burger chain Wendy’s and Brazilian-style steakhouse Beleza Rodizio opening at the scheme. Following its acquisition of Touchwood in 2021, owner The Ardent Companies and asset manager Sovereign Centros from CBRE have looked to implement a strategy focused on diversifying and expanding the destination’s tenant mix. Joe Swindells, asset management and development director for Ardent, said: “The performance of Touchwood over the past year, with increased footfall and strong leasing, highlights its position as the...

News

Gloucester Quays sees festive boost in sales and footfall following new arrivals

Peel Retail & Leisure has announced that sales and footfall at Gloucester Quays increased over the festive period, following a series of new arrivals at the scheme. Following Black Friday which coincided with November’s payday in 2025, Gloucester Quays recorded a 6.5% year-on-year (YoY) increase in retail sales for the month. Food and beverage operators in particular also delivered positive results, achieving a 2% YoY uplift. In December, footfall for the month rose by 5.5% YoY. The arrival of Gloucester Quays’ free-to-attend Christmas market, now in its 13th year, proved a significant draw to the destination. The market’s attractions contributed to a spike in weekend footfall at Gloucester Quays, averaging a 15% YoY increase across the seven weeks leading up to Christmas. Retail sales in December increased by 1.1% YoY, with the homeware and gifting category leading the way with an increase of 66.3%. Menswear also saw strong growth, with sales up by 31.2% during the same period. These results came off the back of a number of new signings throughout 2025. Last year, the outlet shopping centre welcomed new arrivals including Søstrene Grene, Ben Sherman, Label Yard, and Men Kind, alongside the relocation and upsize of Crew Clothing. Festive...

News

M Core acquires pair of Midlands retail assets

Sheet Anchor Evolve, part of the M Core group, has acquired two retail assets in Coventry and Birmingham. The group has acquired Lower Precinct in Coventry, a fully let shopping centre which extends to approximately 221,600 sq ft. The scheme is anchored by national retailers including H&M, New Look, River Island, Superdrug, and Home Bargains. Sheet Anchor Evolve has also acquired The White House and 5-9 Lower Temple Street in Birmingham. Located adjacent to New Street Station, the asset comprises three adjoining buildings and extends to approximately 60,000 sq ft, providing a mix of retail, leisure, and office accommodation. Occupiers include Be At One, Archies, and Tim Hortons. Sheet Anchor Evolve will lead on the ongoing management of the scheme. Danny O’Keefe, co-founder of Sheet Anchor Evolve, said: “The Midlands is a core market for us, where our local knowledge and long-term approach allow us to identify assets with strong fundamentals and clear growth potential. These acquisitions reflect our focus on centres in established locations, where active management and close occupier relationships can support sustainable performance.” Sebastian Macdonald-Hall, chief investment officer at M Core, added: “These acquisitions align with our wider strategy of disciplined investment in strong locations, supported by...

News

Fashion giant Inditex takes Meadowhall footprint to over 70,000 sq ft with pair of new signings