Retail Property Deals

Padel and fitness facility to join Lancashire retail park

12th August 2025

CLUBHOUSE UK, a new padel, fitness gym, and coffee lounge is set to join Hyndburn Retail Park in Blackburn. Opening in September, the 23,000 sq ft facility will feature six padel courts, along with fitness facilities and a social space serving coffee, smoothies, protein shakes, and light bites. Dan Wilkins, founder of CLUBHOUSE UK, said: “CLUBHOUSE UK is where sport, lifestyle and community collide. We’ve brought together padel, functional fitness and a social experience under one roof, in a space designed to inspire people to move. We can’t wait to open our doors after over 18 months of research and development and hard work from our team to ensure CLUBHOUSE UK is the best experience it can be.” Bruce Edmondson, director of retail parks and development at Peel Retail and Leisure, added: “We’re delighted to welcome CLUBHOUSE UK to Hyndburn Retail Park. The opening of the centre will bring another innovative concept to the area, combining fitness, sport and social lifestyle in one location. CLUBHOUSE UK reflects the dynamic, experience-led offering we’re all about and we look forward to supporting what will be a true fitness hub for the community.” A CGI of the CLUBHOUSE facilities

Toy retailer to open largest UK store at Liverpool ONE

12th August 2025

International toy retailer POP MART is set to open its largest UK store to date at Liverpool ONE shopping centre. Making its Liverpool debut, POP MART’s new store on Upper South John Street will span 6,200 sq ft and be situated close to KENJI and MINISO. The store will stock the brand’s collectable variety of blind boxes, spanning a range of popular POP MART-only characters, as well as the highly popular ranges of The Monsters, more commonly known as ‘Labubus’. Rob Deacon, director of asset management at Liverpool ONE, Landsec, said: “With regular sell-out product launches, POP MART has proven a viral sensation, and the store is set to appeal to a wide range of consumers across the North West. The brand launching its biggest UK store yet will provide yet another distinct point of difference to the destination, reinforcing Liverpool ONE’s position as a go-to location for globally renowned brands and one of the leading retail and entertainment destinations in the UK.” This continues a run of signings and openings at Liverpool ONE, with the destination celebrating its busiest year for store launches since 2008.  Last month, MINISO made its Liverpool debut, following the arrivals of Sephora, TFG London,...

New restaurant concept to join Salford’s Quayside

6th August 2025

The creators of Manchester-based restaurants Brewski and American Pies are set to launch a new concept, BIG TRAY BBQ, at Salford’s Quayside this autumn. Spanning 5,235 sq ft, the concept has been inspired by Brewski’s ongoing culinary tour of the United States of America, and will serve barbecue along with sides and sauces. Other dishes on offer will include brisket, jalapeño cornbread, jerk chicken sausage, and birria lamb shanks and ribs. Located in the heart of Salford Quays, Quayside offers a blend of retail, leisure, and dining experiences on the banks of Manchester’s Ship Canal. The development is home to retailers such as Marks & Spencer, Next, and The Body Shop. Ben Hey, asset director at Quayside, said: “The decision to introduce this new concept to Quayside, from one of Manchester’s most loved food brands, is a real testament to the growth of the area, and our exciting plans for the future. We know they’re going to bring something completely unique for our visitors, and we can’t wait to see the new concept thrive here at Quayside.” James Daly and Steven Stockton-King, co-founders of Brewski, added: “We’re delighted to be launching our latest concept BIG TRAY BBQ at Quayside later […]

ALO Yoga continues UK expansion with Victoria Leeds signing

5th August 2025

ALO Yoga has signed for a new location at Redical’s Victoria Leeds. Opening in 2026 in Victoria Quarter, the 5,300 sq ft store will feature the lifestyle brand’s range of collections across women’s and men’s categories, including activewear, outerwear, accessories, and wellness. The new store will open as part of the brand’s continued expansion, joining more than 150 ALO Yoga locations globally. Earlier this year, the brand reached an agreement to open its first UK store outside of London on Manchester’s New Cathedral Street. The brand’s commitment to Victoria Leeds’ follows the recent news that Nobody’s Child, BYREDO, and TUMI, have all selected the destination for their regional debuts. Rachel Bradburn, head of leasing at Redical, said: “As an exceptional brand disrupting the activewear scene with an exciting product offering and a vast and dedicated online presence, ALO is exactly the type of brand we look for when expanding our premium brand mix at Victoria Leeds. This locating is highly anticipated amongst our fashion and wellness-conscious customers and further affirms Victoria Leeds’ leading position in the market.” Lunson Mitchenall and Central Retail acted for Victoria Leeds.

Superdry to return to Aberdeen

4th August 2025

Superdry is set to return to Aberdeen after agreeing a deal to join the Bon Accord Centre. The clothing retailer will take a 6,000 sq ft unit and its opening follows the recent arrival of Danish homeware brand Søstrene Grene at the scheme. The centre also secured Fat Face in April, joining the Bon Accord Centre’s existing tenant line-up which includes Next, Boots, New Look, and Waterstones. Letting agent Richard Noble, director at FG Burnett, said: “Bon Accord remains very much on the radar of retailers illustrated by the recent raft of new entrants. What’s really encouraging is that we also have existing occupiers showing confidence in the location by renewing leases and then completing new shop fits which really freshens up the mall. Whether a new entrant to the city or completing a relocation the existing depth of occupiers makes Bon Accord a compelling option. We are delighted to welcome Superdry.” Joint agent Kevin Sims of Sims Property Consultants added: “Sostrene Grene choosing Bon Accord for their Aberdeen store reflected the strength of the scheme, the lettings to fashion retailers Fat Face and now Superdry highlight the terrific location, car parking and tenant mix. I am pleased to report […]

Chinese street food giant to make West End debut

4th August 2025

Chinese hot pot concept Yangguofo Malatang (YGF Malatang) is set to open its first restaurant in London’s West End at 47-49 Charing Cross Road in Chinatown. The concept operates nearly 7,000 restaurants worldwide, making it the largest malatang brand globally. The new Chinatown location will span over 3,200 sq ft and be the operator’s first London flagship. Originating from China’s Sichuan street food stalls, YGF Malatang looks to deliver a twist on the traditional hot pot by allowing diners to customise their own bowls. Guests will be able to choose from a selection of meat, fish, and vegetable toppings, with further choices in noodle type and broth flavour. Emma Matus, head of restaurant leasing at Shaftesbury Capital, said: “Chinatown London is a hub for standout concepts from across the ESEA, and YGF Malatang is a great example of a proven concept in China choosing Chinatown at an early stage of its UK journey. Malatang is a staple for so many across China and beyond, with Yangguofu Malatang set to bring an authentic taste of North East China for the thousands of discerning diners that come to Chinatown London every day.” Neil Ping, Europe general manager of Yangguofu Malatang, added: “Whilst Yangguofu...

The Liberty Romford signs kids’ play space

4th August 2025

Redical has announced the signing of children’s play space, Kids Play Village, at The Liberty Romford. The 11,168 sq ft site – which is the operator’s second – will open in October and feature 16 roleplay areas including a supermarket, a police station, and a beauty salon. The venue will also include a café, offering hot and cold drinks and sandwiches. Daniel Tucker, leasing manager at The Liberty Romford, said: “Located in the heart of the town centre, The Liberty Romford is an essential part of the community and we are committed to providing positive experiences to all those who visit our destination. Kids Play Village is an exceptional addition to our family-friendly offering, joining the likes of MINISO and The Works.” Jayde Piro, owner and director of Kids Play Village, added: “We have been on the lookout for the perfect space for our second-ever Kids Play Village following the success of our debut location in Orpington. As an integral community hub, The Liberty Romford is the ideal destination and we are eager to open the doors to our largest space ahead of the October half-term.” The announcement follows the news that The Liberty Romford has recently welcomed a trio of […]

Gym operator to open 37,000 sq ft space at Manchester Arndale

4th August 2025

Gym operator XtraFit is set to join Manchester Arndale after signing a 20-year lease for a 37,000 sq ft unit at the scheme. The growing brand will open on Market Street, offering a range of activities such as Hyrox, run clubs, and classes. Alongside its equipment, XtraFit also provides massage and tanning facilities for its customers. XtraFit – which also has locations in Liverpool and Dudley – adds to a leisure offering at Manchester Arndale which includes the likes of King Pins and Urban Playground. Scott Linard, portfolio director for M&G Real Estate, said: “A strong leisure mix has become the backbone for successful retail destinations, so we are delighted to introduce XtraFit to Manchester Arndale. With a bustling city centre population, XtraFit Gym are in the perfect location to serve Mancunian fitness needs.  “The continued evolution of Manchester Arndale has allowed it to become one of the North West’s most visited destinations, thanks to our best-in-class retail, F&B and leisure mix. This continued strong footfall means that we are the first port of call for brands wanting to come to Manchester.” Metis Real Estate and Time Retail Partners are Manchester Arndale’s retained letting agents.

Manchester Arndale to welcome Boux Avenue

30th July 2025

Boux Avenue is set to open a new store at Manchester Arndale shopping centre later this summer. The lingerie, nightwear, and swimwear company has signed a 10-year lease for a 2,765 sq ft store on New Cannon Street in close proximity to Sephora. The new space will bring the brand’s in-store offering to shoppers at the Manchester scheme, which includes bra fittings, fitting rooms, and an array of lingerie plus swimwear and nightwear. Boux Avenue – which has over 25 stores in the UK – will join recent arrivals at Manchester Arndale including Alo Yoga, Arc’teryx, and Represent to the city. Steve Gray, head of European retail asset management at Global Mutual, said: “Boux Avenue is a standout name in the UK retail landscape, and we’re thrilled to welcome them to Manchester Arndale for their latest location. Their arrival will further enhance our varied mix of fashion and lifestyle brands, and we know our visitors will welcome the addition.” Metis Real Estate and Time Retail Partners are Manchester Arndale’s retained letting agents.

Pandora opens first airport store in Manchester

29th July 2025

Pandora has opened its first airport store at Manchester Airport. Located in Terminal 2, the store features the brand’s full range of jewellery products and also offers engraving services. The store is the first of three airport locations that Pandora is set to open in 2025, as part of the retailer’s increased investment into travel retail. The jeweller will open at Gatwick’s south terminal in mid-August and in London Luton Airport in September. Ross Monaghan, sales director for the UK and Ireland at Pandora, said: “We’re incredibly proud to open our first ever standalone airport store and delighted to partner with Manchester, a city that holds huge importance for Pandora in the UK. “This new location comes at the perfect moment in the airport’s development and marks an exciting new chapter in our retail journey.” This comes after Pandora opened its fourth store on Oxford Street in March, as the retailer looks to expand its presence on the famous shopping street.

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...