Retail Property Deals

Padel and skateboarding to transform former market space at Derbion

29th July 2025

Derbion in the East Midlands is set to welcome 10 padel courts and a new skatepark after reaching agreements with community sports operators Social Sports Society and Flo Skatepark. Social Sports Society has signed a five-year lease for 54,773 sq ft of space within part of the former Eagle Market area. This will be the brand’s third location outside of London, joining venues in Birmingham and Manchester. Set to open this autumn, Social Sports Society’s new facility at Derbion will be one of the largest indoor padel centres in the UK. Meanwhile, Flo Skateboard has signed a five-year lease for a 20,828 sq ft space. A charity which is supported by Sport England and accredited by Skateboard GB, Flo Skateboard will use this space as a venue for community events, exhibitions, and collaborations with partner brands. Both the openings will coincide with the completion of the Eastern Gateway development, which will create a new feature façade and urban garden for Derbion. The growing leisure offer at Derbion complements the centre’s partnership with the newly-opened Valliant Live arena, which has helped increase footfall and spend in the centre, especially amongst food and beverage operators. Beth McDonald, managing director at Derbion, said: […]

Canada Water to welcome UK’s largest urban winery

25th July 2025

Vagabond Wines is set to open the UK’s largest urban winery at British Land and AustralianSuper’s 53-acre Canada Water Masterplan later this year. The self-pour wine bar group will take 6,000 sq ft of space on the ground floor of the recently-completed Dock Shed, a mixed-use building with workspace above and the new Canada Water Leisure Centre to the rear The space will feature a 100-tonne winery, a Vagabond bar, and multiple event and private hire spaces for the likes of weddings, tastings, dinners, and corporate events. The launch forms part of Vagabond’s wider growth strategy, with the brand working exclusively with the retail and leisure team at Savills to double the size of its estate over the next three years. The operator’s first tranche of openings is due later this year and includes new bars in St Paul’s and at British Land and GIC’s Broadgate, Liverpool Street. John Colley, CEO of Majestic Group, which owns Vagabond, said: “We are really excited to be launching the UK’s largest urban winery, in a prime central London location. This is a project we have been working on for a number of months and we can’t wait to welcome our first guests later...

Superdrug to join Leicester’s Highcross

25th July 2025

Superdrug is set to open at Highcross Leicester this autumn, as the shopping destination looks to expand its wellbeing and beauty offering. The health and beauty retailer has taken a 10-year lease for two units on the lower mall, previously home to Paperchase and Designer Furniture Store, for a total of 9,000 sq ft of space. The signing follows the recent arrivals of fellow beauty and wellbeing retailers, Rituals and Space NK, at Highcross Leicester. Superdrug will also join the scheme’s existing roster of healthcare, skincare and fragrance brands, including Boots, Lush, Jo Malone, and Clarins. Alongside its product offering, the store will include a nurse-led aesthetic clinic and a beauty studio, which offers eyebrow threading, eyelash extensions, and nail manicures. Michelle Menezes, centre director at Highcross Leicester, said: “The first half of the year at Highcross has been busy, but exciting, with four fantastic new additions across food, fashion and beauty and wellbeing. From much-anticipated returns to city centre firsts, it’s clear that retailers see real value in establishing a presence here in Leicester. We’re delighted that Superdrug is the latest brand to join the line-up, and we look forward to welcoming them to the Highcross community.” Clare Jennings, property director at Superdrug, added: […]

Mappin & Webb to return to Birmingham city centre after 20 years

23rd July 2025

Mappin & Webb is set to make its return to Birmingham city centre for the first time in two decades. The Watches of Switzerland Group – which owns Mappin & Webb – has signed a 10-year lease at The Burlington on New Street. The jewellery retailer will expand and develop the former Watches of Switzerland showroom and the two adjoining units into a new Mappin & Webb showroom, spanning over 7,500 sq ft. Nina Meeks of Hortons, which acted for the landord, said: “Mappin & Webb’s decision to return to Birmingham with a new showroom reflects the strength of the city’s reputation as a destination for luxury retail. As the brand celebrates its 250th anniversary, we’re proud to welcome such an iconic name in British jewellery and watchmaking back to The Burlington and into the heart of the city.” The boutique joins The Watches of Switzerland Group’s existing stores in Birmingham, including a Goldsmiths showroom and the Breitling boutique in the Bullring.

Luxury jewellers to open third location at Centre:mk

23rd July 2025

Luxury diamonds and jewellery specialist Pravins is set to open its third location at Centre:mk in Milton Keynes. Taking a 1,250 sq ft unit on Sunset Walk, Pravins will join the scheme in October, offering a range of pieces including fine jewellery and bespoke engagement and wedding rings. The boutique will also feature a champagne and cocktail bar, while offering in-person and virtual consultations. Kevin Duffy, centre director at Centre:mk, said: “Joining renowned jewellers including Beaverbrooks, Loupe, Goldsmiths, and Swarovski, Pravins will deliver yet another bespoke and premium experience for our guests at Centre:mk. Pravins’ commitment to the centre for its third store reinforces our position as one of the top 10 prime regional destinations in the UK, and we are certain this new flagship for the brand will resonate well with our affluent expansive catchment.” Sanjeev Shah, director at Pravins, added: “For a family-owned business like ours, it is so important to get our store locations right. Situated in a strategically important regional destination, Centre:mk’s prime location will allow us to reach an even greater consumer base where we will maintain our commitment to excellence in experience and product, just as we do across all Pravins stores.” Pravins will […]

Charlotte Tilbury to expand West End presence with Carnaby Street signing

22nd July 2025

Charlotte Tilbury is set to expand its presence in London’s West End after signing a deal with Shaftesbury Capital to open a new store on Carnaby Street. The make-up, fragrance, and skincare brand will open a 4,200 sq ft store at one of the busiest entrances to the street, joining recent arrivals at Carnaby Street including PURESEOUL, TALA, and Farm Rio. The store will join Charlotte Tilbury’s existing flagship within Shaftesbury Capital’s West End portfolio in Covent Garden, which tripled in size at the end of last year. William Oliver, director of retail and restaurant leasing at Shaftesbury Capital, said: “Carnaby Street is known for being home to some of the best, internationally recognised brands that the retail industry has to offer. It is a vibrant hub of high-quality, sought-after names that resonate with its London consumers, just as much as the huge volume of domestic and international visitors Carnaby Street attracts. Charlotte Tilbury is theatrical and immersive, something that mirrors the foundation and heritage of Carnaby Street, and its global appeal and innovative approach are the qualities we look for, to ensure we deliver the elevated retail experience people have come to expect here.” This news follows the recent...

F.Hinds signing leads pair of deals at The Centre Livingston

17th July 2025

Family-run jewellers F.Hinds is set to open a new store at The Centre Livingston, with Marble Buffet also joining the scheme. F.Hinds’ 1,395 sq ft store – which will be located next to Ryman – is due to open in August. The store joins 118 others across the UK and will offer a range of products alongside services such as jewellery and watch repairs. Meanwhile, restaurant operator Marble Buffet will be opening a 15,770 sq ft, 380-seater eatery above Nando’s on Almondvale Boulevards, set to open in May 2026. It will feature live cooking stations with chefs creating a selection of dishes from around the world. The restaurant will look to complement the existing mixture of over 150 stores and eateries at The Centre Livingston, which includes Flannels, H&M, River Island, M&S, Hotel Chocolat, Wagamama and Five Guys. The signings follows the arrival of various new retailers to the shopping centre over the past 18 months, including a Scottish debut for Cinnabon, as well as openings from Las Iguanas, Rituals, Søstrene Grene, Pop Specs, The Designer Rooms, and Starbucks. In addition to welcoming new retailers, the scheme’s owners, LCP, part of M Core, also recently announced plans to expand into the leisure […]

Oliver Bonas to open first-ever outlet store at Gunwharf Quays

16th July 2025

Oliver Bonas is set to open its first-ever outlet store at Landsec’s Gunwharf Quays retail destination in Portsmouth. The British lifestyle brand’s new store will be located on Gunwharf Quays’ The Avenues, which has recently been upgraded as part of a multi-million pound investment into the destination. Founded in 1993, Oliver Bonas offers a range of fashion and homeware collections. The brand will join a number of lifestyle brands at Gunwharf Quays, including Polo Ralph Lauren, Boss, Coach, UGG, Nike, and The White Company. Pablo Sueiras, head of retail and hospitality leasing at Landsec, said: “This move gives customers the chance to experience the brand in a new format. “Oliver Bonas launching its first-ever outlet store at Gunwharf Quays speaks volumes about the strength of the destination and its unique appeal to leading brands. It’s a location that offers the footfall, profile and setting for retailers to really stand out and connect with their audience. This move gives customers the chance to experience the brand in a new format.” The comes shortly after Landsec announced it had broken ground at Marlborough Square, marking a milestone in the transformation of the Portsmouth-based retail outlet. Works are due to complete in Spring […]

Hollywood Bowl to open largest ever venue at Cardiff St David’s

16th July 2025

Hollywood Bowl is set to open its largest entertainment centre in the UK at Landsec’s St David’s Centre in Cardiff. The venue, opening in Spring 2026, will offer a mixture of competitive socialising activities across a 45,000 sq ft space. Spanning over two floors, Hollywood Bowl at St David’s will offer ten-pin and duckpin bowling lanes, interactive darts, and electric go-karting. The venue will also feature an arcade with pool tables and diner-style food and drink options. Pablo Sueiras, head of retail and hospitality leasing at Landsec, said: “Welcoming Hollywood Bowl to St David’s, in what will be the brand’s largest UK opening yet, further cements St David’s role as the go-to destination for the best brands and experiences in the region. Featuring Cardiff’s first confirmed electric go-karting experience, this latest signing strengthens St David’s appeal as a first-choice place for families in Cardiff and beyond.” Laurence Keen, chief financial officer for Hollywood Bowl Group, added: “We are excited to confirm plans to open a fantastic new family entertainment centre at the popular St David’s shopping centre in the heart of Cardiff. “Opening spring 2026, this will be our biggest new centre opening yet. Cardiff has a thriving leisure culture and we’re proud […]

Superdrug upsize leads duo of deals at Metrocentre

16th July 2025

Superdrug is set to upsize its store at Metrocentre in Gateshead, making it the health and beauty retailer’s largest in the region. This coincides with the scheme’s recent signing of Søstrene Grene, which will arrive later this year. Superdrug will upsize its unit within Metrocentre’s Red Mall to 10,000 sq ft, representing a 31% increase in size compared to its previous space. The new space will incorporate the retailer’s latest fit-out, which includes treatment studios and cosmetic services, alongside new signage, flooring, ceiling tiles, and energy-efficient LED lighting. Superdrug’s enlarged presence creates a wellness anchor within the Red Mall, sitting alongside brands such as Zara, Flannels, River Island, and upcoming arrivals, Stradivarius and Urban Outfitters. Meanwhile in the scheme’s Lower Green Mall, Søstrene Grene has signed for a 5,000 sq ft unit opposite Next. The retailer will offer home décor, furniture, craft items and gift ideas. This new addition will add to Green Mall’s existing tenant mix, joining the likes of ProCook, Clarks, and Holland & Barrett. Ben Cox, director at Sovereign Centros from CBRE, asset manager of Metrocentre, said: “We firmly believe that creating growth opportunities for existing brands is paramount to not just a successful tenant mix, but...

Popeyes cooks up Manchester Arndale opening

14th July 2025

Popeyes UK is set to open a new restaurant at Manchester Arndale. The fried chicken restaurant chain has signed an agreement to take a 2,816 sq ft unit in the centre’s food court alongside other quick-service restaurant brands. Popeyes opened its first restaurant in the UK in 2021 and now operates over 80 locations nationwide, with the Manchester Arndale opening forming part of its plans to open 45 new restaurants in 2025. The addition of Popeyes follows other recent F&B arrivals at Manchester Arndale, including the likes of Sides and Joe & The Juice. The scheme has also recently welcomed retailers such as Alo Yoga, Arc’teryx, Sephora, and PureSeoul. Scott Linard, portfolio director for M&G Real Estate, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Popeyes to Manchester Arndale as it is the perfect addition to our strong and varied food and beverage offer.  “We strive to create a vibrant destination that appeals to a wide variety of visitors. Our focus goes beyond retail – as we integrate innovative leisure and entertainment offerings. As the premier retail destination in the North West, we’re pleased to see strong visitor numbers and continued demand for space from international brands like Popeyes.” Metis Real Estate and […]

Supercar brand secures flagship showroom space on London’s Park Lane

10th July 2025

Alpine, the supercar brand from French car manufacturer Renault, has secured space for a flagship showroom on Park Lane in Central London. Alpine’s new unit at 56-59 Park Lane spans 6,500 sq ft with 75ft of road frontage, and was previously occupied by BMW. Park Lane is renowned as an area for luxury and performance car manufacturers to display their latest models. Alpine’s new showroom will display the full range of its vehicles and will host events aimed at both car enthusiasts and prospective buyers, with the aim of further elevating the brand’s profile in the UK market. Colliers’ Central London retail team secured the letting on behalf of the landlord. Emma Wills, director in Colliers’ London retail team, said: “We worked in conjunction with our dedicated UK Automotive team to comprehensively cover the market and are delighted to have secured such a prestigious motoring brand. The letting of 56-59 Park Lane to Alpine highlights the continued demand for flagship retail space within London’s luxury automotive sector. This location offers a unique combination of high visibility and proximity to complementary brands, making it an ideal base for Alpine’s expanding presence in the UK.”