Posts from April 2026

Space NK opens at Harlequin Watford

16th April 2026

Space NK has opened the doors to its new store at Harlequin Watford. The cosmetics retailer has taken a 10-year lease for a 3,432 sq ft store, which features the brand’s latest store concept. The store offers a range of makeup, skincare, haircare, and fragrance products from a number of global brands, such as Drunk Elephant, Rare Beauty, Olaplex and Charlotte Tilbury. Space NK joins a line-up of beauty and wellness brands at Harlequin Watford which includes the likes of Boots, Lush, MAC, Superdrug, Rituals, and The Fragrance Shop. Simon Plumb, centre director at Harlequin Watford, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Space NK to Harlequin Watford. As one of the UK’s leading beauty retailers, its arrival enhances our beauty offer and brings an exciting new experience for our guests. We’re confident it will quickly become a must visit destination for beauty lovers in the region.” The leasing agents for this deal were LM Real Estate and Time Retail Partners. Harlequin Watford is owned by SGS UK Retail and asset managed by Pradera Lateral.

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Manchester Arndale to welcome relocated Neal’s Yard Remedies store

16th April 2026

Neal’s Yard Remedies is set to open a new store at Manchester Arndale shopping centre after agreeing a 10-year lease for a 873 sq ft unit. The wellbeing brand will relocate from its existing Manchester store on King Street, taking over the current Claire’s store. At its new store, Neal’s Yard Remedies – which was founded in 1981 in London’s Covent Garden – will offer a range of skincare, bath and body products, essential oils, herbal remedies, beauty and wellness gifts. The space will look to provide customers with a sensory retail environment where they can receive personalised wellbeing advice. The arrival of Neal’s Yard Remedies at Manchester Arndale follows a successful period of new signings across retail, leisure and F&B at the scheme, which has welcomed the likes of Arc’teryx, Pro:Direct, Sephora, XF Gym, Hotel Chocolat, and, most recently, Wingstop. Scott Linard, portfolio manager for M&G Real Estate, said: “We are delighted to welcome Neal’s Yard Remedies to Manchester Arndale. Securing a 10-year commitment from such a respected and established brand, particularly as it relocates from the renowned King Street, is a major endorsement of the strength of our offer. Signing on the heels of Wingstop UKI and a trio...

Deals News

The Haberdashers’ Company appoints property management firm across Central London portfolio

16th April 2026

The Haberdashers’ Company has appointed commercial property management firm MAPP to manage a retail and office portfolio in Central London. The instruction covers a range of assets including a freehold interest in Gresham Street near St Paul’s, retail units on West Smithfield close to the historic market, and 25–27 Hosier Lane in Farringdon, a 20,000 sq ft office building currently undergoing a refurbishment. The portfolio hosts a diverse retail mix, including a nursery and premium food operators, alongside modern office accommodation in a prime Smithfield location. Under the appointment, MAPP will look to deliver a high-end, best value holistic suite of property management services focused on optimising asset and commercial performance, operational efficiency, and occupier experience. The service will bring together specialist teams spanning property and facilities management, occupier engagement, accounting, community-building initiatives, building consultancy, and technology solutions. The mandate marks MAPP’s continued growth within the livery company sector, following its mandate with the Girdlers’ Company in 2025. The Haberdashers’ Company is a modern philanthropic organisation with over 1,000 members. Last year, the group distributed over £5.6m to support its charitable purpose of empowering young people from all backgrounds through school and community partnerships across the UK. Louise Bonham, chief executive of MAPP, said: “We are delighted to be...

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East Midlands retail park handed £11.75m price tag

15th April 2026

A retail park in Ilkseton in Derbyshire has been placed on the investment market with a price tag of £11.75m, reflecting a net initial yield of 7.75%. Waterside Retail Park provides approximately 67,941 sq ft of retail accommodation across seven units, let to tenants including M&S, Iceland, Argos, Halfords, Poundland, Jollyes, and Poundstretcher. The tenants have a weighted average unexpired lease term of 3.1 years and produce an annual passing rent of £971,788, equating to an average rent of approximately £14.30 per sq ft. The scheme, which is positioned in close proximity to the M1, also benefits from 317 customer car parking spaces. Ilkeston is a historic market town that has evolved into an important commuter hub for theEast Midlands. It is positioned eight miles west of Nottingham and 10 miles east of Derby, sitting at the heart of a dynamic regional belt drawing on a considerable and diverse regional catchment. Over 96,000 people live within a 10-minute drive time of Waterside Retail Park, with over 608,000 people living within a 20-minute drive time. Rosebury Real Estate has been appointed to find a suitable purchaser.

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Hollywood Bowl identifies “strong” pipeline for new openings

15th April 2026

Hollywood Bowl has said it has identified a “strong new centre pipeline” for the 2027 financial year and beyond. The leisure operator – which has an estate of 77 UK sites – is also set to open two new locations in the UK in the second half of the current financial year. This comes as Hollywood Bowl releases a half year trading update for the six month period ending 31st March 2026. During this period, the operator reported revenue growth to £141.5m, up by 9.1% compared to the same period the year prior. UK total revenue was up by 9.4% year-on-year, to £118.4m. The group also opened a new location in Edmonton, Canada, bringing its total number of venues in the country to 16. Stephen Burns, chief executive officer of Hollywood Bowl, said: “The benefits of the investments made throughout the UK and Canadian estate, combined with proactive demand generation initiatives and disciplined cost management, are reflected in our strong H1 performance. Demand for high-quality, family leisure activities that offer great value for money also remains resilient in both territories, and our cash generative business model allows us to invest where we see opportunities and deliver profitable growth.”

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CitiVest acquires Soho mixed-use property

15th April 2026

CitiVest has acquired a mixed-use property on Poland Street in Soho, London. The property investment firm has acquired 15 Poland Street, W1. The four storey property comprises restaurant space on the ground floor and office accommodation across the upper floors. The asset is located on the eastern side of Poland Street, at the junction with Noel Street, in close proximity to Regent Street. The building was once home to the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, who lived there in 1811. Welbeck Real Estate Advisors acted for CitiVest.

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Angel Central to welcome new music venue and restaurant concept

15th April 2026

Angel Central in Islington is set to welcome the arrival of new music venue and restaurant concept Soul Mama for its second location in London. Launched by musician and broadcaster YolanDa Brown OBE DL and music manager and creative entrepreneur Adetokunbo “T” Oyelola, Soul Mama has signed for a 3,926 sq ft unit on the scheme’s first floor with a 1,500 sq ft terrace. Located adjacent to the newly-opened Søstrene Grene store, Soul Mama looks to blend the culinary traditions of Africa, the Caribbean, and South America in a celebration of food, music and culture. Simon Prince, asset manager at CBRE Investment Management, said: “Soul Mama will be a key addition to Angel Central, diversifying an already vibrant line-up of retail and F&B brands. This unique concept provides an amazing audience experience, reflected by its popularity and expansion. It will be a musical hub on the first floor, driving footfall, encouraging all-day visitation and bringing new visitors to the centre.” The signing of Soul Mama follows the recent opening of Søstrene Grene at Angel Central. The brands join retailers such as Uniqlo, Mango, H&M, KIKO, and L’Occitane, as well as F&B operators such as Wagamama and Itsu and the experience-led...

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Hotter steps back into Yorkshire’s Junction 32 outlet shopping centre

14th April 2026

Hotter has opened a new store at the Junction 32 outlet centre in Yorkshire, making its return to the scheme after six years. Spanning 1,507 sq ft, the British footwear retailer’s new space marks its re-entry into the outlet retail channel. It will offer a range of comfort-led footwear and lifestyle products for men and women, including shoes, sandals, boots, trainers, and slippers. The return of Hotter comes as Junction 32 continues to evolve its brand mix, welcoming a range of brands to the centre with further openings planned in the coming month. This momentum is underpinned by a strong 2025 performance, with footfall up 3% year-on-year and sales increasing by 4%. Rachel Scott, head of leasing at Global Mutual, said: “We’re delighted to welcome back Hotter to Junction 32 as the brand launches its first return to the outlet market. As a well-established British footwear brand known for quality and comfort, Hotter is a strong addition to our retail mix, further enhancing the selection of brands available at the centre.” Rachel Rimmer, marketing director at Hotter, added: “The return of our Junction 32 outlet store represents an important step in Hotter’s wider retail strategy as we continue to evolve how and...

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OKA unveils target locations as it eyes more UK stores

14th April 2026

British furniture and lifestyle retailer OKA has released its latest property requirements list as it looks to expand across the UK. The retailer is seeking units ranging between 2,500 sq ft and 5,000 sq ft in size, preferably in high street or roadside locations. Ideal units will have car parking available nearby. Target locations include: CBRE has been appointed to find suitable locations.

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Waitrose steps up investment into store estate

14th April 2026

Waitrose is set to grow its store estate with the opening of a new store in Ascot, Berkshire, and the expansion of its franchise partnership with Welcome Break. Scheduled to open this autumn, the 3,000 sq ft Ascot store will occupy a former bank on the town’s High Street offering groceries and on-site parking. Meanwhile, the supermarket retailer will also expand on its existing franchise relationship with roadside operator Welcome Break, opening four new stores. Two of these stores are already open at service stations near Peterborough and Bodmin, Cornwall, bringing Waitrose’s presence to 33 Welcome Break sites nationally. Further openings are scheduled at stations near Spalding and Whitely, in the coming months. Last month, Waitrose invested into the refurbishment of five supermarkets in Haslemere, Barnet, Chiswick, Ruislip, and Menai Bridge, as well as two convenience stores in Knutsford and Muswell Hill. In total, 30 Waitrose stores across the country will be refurbished this year as part of a £1bn, multi-year investment programme. Alun Jones, head of physical estate at Waitrose, said: “Our new Ascot store and expanded partnership with Welcome Break strengthens our physical retail presence alongside the acceleration of our store refurbishment programme. Whether it’s a restaurant-quality dinner for...

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Sale and leasebacks drive surge in supermarket investment

13th April 2026

The UK foodstore investment market recorded approximately £1.87bn of capital transactions in 2025, driven by an increase in sale-and-leaseback activity, according to Colliers’ latest UK Grocery Report. This was up from £1.29bn in 2024 and ahead of both the five and ten year averages of £1.59bn and £1.52bn, respectively. The report found that the increase in sale-and-leaseback activity from Asda and Morrisons, which are using the capital raised to reduce leverage, as well as Lidl, which is funding its store expansion. Altogether, around £943m of sale and leaseback deals in five portfolios were completed, close to the £1.01bn recorded in 2023. Institutions and real estate investment trusts led buying activity, at 51% and 34% respectively, amid a constrained supply of prime stock. On the operator side, Asda emerged as the most traded grocer, responsible for 31% of all deals, while Tesco acquired £127.8m of its own stores – including two of the five largest single asset deals in 2025. Mark Girling, executive director at Colliers, said: “Supermarkets again proved to be amongst the UK’s most sought after secure income real estate in 2025. With nearly £1.9 billion traded and buyers skewed to institutions, private capital and REITs, the sector’s defensive, often...

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Greggs looks for new sites in expansion push

13th April 2026

Greggs has released its latest property requirements list as it looks to continue its nationwide expansion. The grab-and-go food operator – which acquired 100 new shop locations in 2025 – is seeking leasehold units with a minimum area of 900 sq ft. The UK-wide requirement includes both in-town units, located on high streets and within shopping centres and travel hubs, as well as out-of-town locations situated within retail parks, roadside and industrial lots, and business parks. Locations within supermarkets and suburban parades will be considered. Greggs is also looking to continue expanding its drive-through estate. This comes as Greggs looks to open around 120 net new stores in 2026, despite recording a decline in profits in 2025. The operator – which operates around 2,700 locations – said in March that it saw potential for over 3,000 UK stores in the long-term, having identified a “strong pipeline of attractive opportunities”. Greggs will also trial its smaller ‘bitesize Greggs’ format to meet greater demand in areas with limited space.

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Agents appointed to transform Kensington High Street block into lifestyle hub

13th April 2026

Retail, leisure, and placemaking agency P-Three has been appointed as sole letting agent at 176-206 Kensington High Street, London by Knight Frank Asset Management on behalf of a private client. The asset comprises 57,000 sq ft of retail space across 15 retail units across both ground and lower ground floors, offering 105 metres of frontage onto Kensington High Street. P-Three has been tasked with delivering long term rental growth, driving footfall and dwell time, and creating a defined sense of identity for the block. P-Three said its strategy will focus on repositioning the asset as a lifestyle-led location with a tenant mix that focuses on active, everyday living that serves local residents, office workers and park users, complementing the core high street offering. The firm will look to build on the area’s existing specialist sports retail, travel, fitness and wellness operators with high quality cafés and health-led food outlets. Kensington High Street is underpinned by a wealthy residential catchment and substantial daytime footfall. High Street Kensington station records approximately 12 million passenger movements annually, with around 23,000 office workers located within a half-mile radius. The area has enjoyed positive leasing momentum over recent years, with retailers such as Lululemon, Mango,...

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Frasers Group eyes £400m outlet centre double acquisition

10th April 2026

Frasers Group is looking to acquire two outlet shopping centres for a combined fee of around £400m. The group is looking to acquire the McArthur Glen-managed centres in York and the East Midlands from Aviva Investors, CoStar News has reported. Spanning 350,000 sq ft, York Designer Outlet is home to tenants such as M&S, H&M, Nike, and Paul Smith. East Midlands Designer Outlet extends to 230,747-square-foot and is home to over 65 brands. Constructed in 2002, the designer outlet centre is located on Normanton Road, approximately 6.5 miles southwest of Mansfield. These reports come after Frasers Group acquired Swindon Designer Outlet last autumn. Situated within the historic Great Western Railway buildings in the centre of Swindon, the outlet centre extends to 250,000 sq ft and comprises 110 units. Frasers Group has been one of the most acquisitive groups within the UK retail investment market over recent years. The group acquired Glasgow’s Braehead Shopping Centre in November 2025 and Waterfront Retail Park in Greenock in September. CBRE is advising Frasers, whilst Morgan Williams is advising Aviva Investors.

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Rethinking healthcare delivery: the case for retail parks in easing NHS pressure

10th April 2026

By Lauren Chew, senior asset manager at Redevco Pressures on NHS services are well recognised and have prompted an important conversation about how care can be delivered more effectively, accessibly and closer to people’s daily lives. While demand continues to outpace traditional capacity, recent evidence shows that when primary care access is limited, patients often look elsewhere for support. The Care Quality Commission’s State of Care report (October 2025) highlighted this system-wide impact, noting that 6.6% of respondents to the 2025 GP Patient Survey attended A&E because they were unable to contact their GP or were uncertain about next steps. Together, these insights underline the opportunity, and necessity, to innovate beyond conventional healthcare settings and rethink how and where services can best meet patient needs. Herein lies a key opportunity: retail parks are already embedded in everyday life. With high footfall, strong transport links and often free parking, they are uniquely placed to support public health by meeting people where they already are – offering a level of accessibility that many traditional healthcare settings struggle to match. Unlike clinical environments, which can feel formal or intimidating, retail parks are familiar and convenient spaces, making them ideal locations for healthcare initiatives,...

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L&G acquires Tottenham Court Road retail and leisure block

10th April 2026

Legal & General Asset Management has acquired a retail and leisure block on London’s Tottenham Court Road from Landsec. The asset, located at 6-17 Tottenham Court Road, comprises 62,139 sq ft of retail and restaurant accommodation let to seven tenants. With a weighted average unexpired lease term of 1.2 years to expiry, the property produces an annual passing rent of £3,572,528, reflecting £57.24 per sq ft. The building is located a short walk from Derwent London’s major redevelopment above Tottenham Court Road station, One Oxford Street. Although the sale price was not disclosed, the asset has reportedly changed hands for approximately £51.5m. The sale reflects Landsec’s strategy to sell around £4bn of mature assets, including offices and assets in non-core sectors, as it looks to reinvest in residential and large shopping centres. Savills advised L&G, whilst CBRE advised Landsec.

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Korean beauty brand PURESEOUL to make East Midlands debut at Leicester’s Highcross

9th April 2026

Korean beauty brand PURESEOUL is set to open its first store in the East Midlands at Highcross in Leicester. The fast-growing retailer will take a 1,759 sq ft unit on the scheme’s lower mall, near Earnest Jones Jewellers. Opening in May, the new location joins PURESEOUL’s existing UK stores in cities such as Brighton, London, and Manchester. Also joining Highcross Leicester is footwear retailer Office, which will open in a 3,369 sq ft unit. Offering leading global brands alongside its own in-house collections, Office makes its return to the scheme, having been a tenant until 2021. Michelle Menezes, Centre Director at Highcross Leicester, said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming PURESEOUL to Highcross, marking its official debut in the East Midlands. We’ve seen first-hand just how the K-beauty boom has swept through the UK, with consumers searching for tips on how to achieve ‘glass skin’ and ‘chok chok’—otherwise known as a dewy glow. So we’re excited to be able to bring that advice, and the innovative products, closer to home. “This, alongside the return of a household brand like Office, reaffirms our ambition to bring well-known names and trend-led retailers to the heart of Leicester. Beyond these arrivals, there’s plenty more...

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Crown Estate Scotland acquires £5.7m Edinburgh retail park

9th April 2026

Crown Estate Scotland has acquired Seafield Retail Park in Edinburgh for £5,724,500 from Rankeilor Properties. Extending to 24,815 sq ft, the scheme comprises five units, fully let to Halfords, Connection Flooring, McGuirks Golf, Greggs, and Subway, producing an annual rental income of £428,630.. The retail park also benefits from electric vehicle charging stations, operated by FOR:EV. Rankeilour Properties acquired the property in late 2020 and have since implemented an active asset management strategy, which included the subdivision of Unit 3, now let to Greggs & Subway, as well as introducing EV charging to the park. In addition, Unit 2a – previously let to Archers Sleepcentre – is now occupied by McGuirks Golf’s first mainland UK store. Galbraith acted for the vendor, whilst CBRE acted for the purchaser. Jamie Thain, investment partner at Galbraith, said: “We are delighted to have completed this sale on behalf of our client Rankeilour Properties, having advised on the acquisition in 2020. They have executed their business plan for this prominent park over the last five years and the sale underlines the strength of the sector and also Edinburgh as a location for investment. “Throughout the country, the retail warehouse sector continues to see strong levels of...

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Lidl to open 50 stores over 12 months as part of £600m investment

9th April 2026

Lidl is set to open 50 new stores over the next 12 months as part of a wider £600m investment into The discounter said this marks the “most ambitious standard store opening programme in the UK supermarket sector this year”, with the openings expected to create almost 2,000 new jobs across the country. Upcoming store openings include sites such as Abbots Langley near Watford, Warrington in Cheshire, and Thornbury in Gloucestershire, all of which are set to open this summer. To support its growing store estate, Lidl said it is also investing in its logistics infrastructure. Construction of a new warehouse in Leeds is currently progressing, with operations due to begin next year. Meanwhile in London, Lidl is further investing into its Belvedere distribution site, submitting plans to slightly extend and join both its warehouses. Ryan McDonnell, CEO at Lidl GB, said: “As we grow, we want to positively impact our British communities. We’re not just opening doors, we’re unlocking regional growth. Our expansion translates directly into high-quality jobs and gives British suppliers the certainty they need to invest in the future. Above all, it advances our social purpose of making affordable, healthy food accessible to everyone.” Kate Dearden, minister for...

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TCS secures letting to Acai & The Tribe at Vicar Lane Leeds

9th April 2026

Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS) has completed the letting of 88 Vicar Lane in Leeds to café concept Acai & The Tribe. Spanning 1,618 sq ft over two floors, the café will offer a health-focused, all-day menu centred around organic açaí bowls made from Amazon-sourced berries, alongside smoothies, drinks, vegan toasts, and a range of brunch and lunch options. Housed within a Grade II-listed building constructed in the early 1900s, 88 Vicar Lane retains many of its original architectural features, providing a blend of heritage character and contemporary appeal. This latest signing follows a series of high-profile lettings in the immediate vicinity, including to Dishoom and Sticks’n’Sushi. Charles Newman, associate director at TCS, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Acai & The Tribe to Vicar Lane. This letting reflects the continued strength of demand for high-quality space in this part of Leeds, where premium retail and leisure operators are choosing to locate. With recent announcements such as Dishoom and Sticks’n’Sushi, the area is evolving rapidly, reinforcing its position as a leading destination within the city.” Louise Larking of Fox Lloyd Jones, which acted for TCS, added: “Securing Acai & The Tribe for this unique space at 88 Vicar Lane highlights...

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