Retail Property Deals

LEGO builds on Manchester Arndale success with store upsize

19th March 2025

The LEGO Group is set to build on its success at Manchester Arndale with the opening of an upsized store at the shopping centre. The toy brand will be taking the former Morphe unit next door to its current store – which it has occupied for almost 15 years – increasing its presence from 2,934 sq ft to 7,434 sq ft. LEGO’s new store will include features such as a ‘Pick a Brick Wall’, a ‘Build a Minifigure Tower’, and opportunities for hands-on play such as free build challenges and events. The relocation comes after LEGO opened its 20th UK store at Cribbs Mall, Bristol in 2024. Steve Gray, head of European retail asset management at Global Mutual, joint asset managers of Manchester Arndale, said: “It is great to see LEGO commit its long-term future to Manchester Arndale with a new larger store. LEGO is one of our most popular retailers and we expect their enhanced space will attract even more shoppers. The commitment of leading retailers such as LEGO highlights the belief international brands have in Manchester Arndale which continues to attract visitors from across the North West and beyond.” Shweta Munshi, vice president of marketing, LEGO retail at the LEGO Group, added: “We […]

Developer completes trio of Northern retail projects

18th March 2025

Northern developer Almscliffe-Dhesi (AD) has completed three major retail projects in the North East of England and North Lincolnshire. The developments in Peterlee, Crook, and Scunthorpe are each home to national retailers and open for business. In Peterlee, AD has transformed a disused Vauxhall car dealership on the outskirts of the town into a local convenience cluster. Tenants at the 13,027 sq ft development include Sainsbury’s, The Tanning Shop, Greggs, Dominos, CVS Vets, and EVC Electric Vehicle Chargers. The Peterlee development is for sale, with a final 1,250 sq ft unit available to let. In Crook, AD has bought a redundant 2,240 sq ft unit on South Street which has been divided in two, with Domino’s and Banking Hub now in residence. This development is also for sale. In Scunthorpe, AD has completed a 7,300 sq ft roadside scheme that includes a Starbucks drive-through, a Co-op, and The Tanning Shop, along with electric vehicle charging ports. The Starbucks unit has been sold to the franchisee K Beverage, whilst the rest of the development has been acquired by a private investor. Alongside these new openings, AD has also commenced work on a new retail development at Faverdale in north west Darlington....

London-based clothing brand to open King’s Road pop-up

18th March 2025

London-based clothing brand Minka Dink is set to open a pop-up store within the Sloane Stanley Estate on Chelsea’s King’s Road. The brand will take a 1,728 sq ft unit at 324-326 King’s Road for three weeks, showcasing its womenswear collections as well as the first drop of its Spring-Summer 2025 range. This will be the second pop-up store within the Sloane Stanley Estate for Minka Dink, which was launched as a passion project during the pandemic. Other brands that have chosen the estate for their physical retail debuts include Chinti & Parker, Prochaine, KayaNuka, and Seraphina. Minka Dink also joins Pepites – the boutique stocking womenswear, accessories, and jewellery – which has opened a pop-up at 281 King’s Road. Hannah Grievson, property director at Sloane Stanley, said: “Minka Dink achieved so much success during its first ever pop-up with us here last year, and to host its second pop-up is a real testament to the opportunities we provide for independent brands to thrive. Entering physical retail can be a daunting experience, especially for brands that have built a strong following on social media, and our role is to make it that little bit easier, providing guidance and support at […]

M&S to open new store on Clapham High Street

17th March 2025

Marks & Spencer is set to open a new store at 156-164 Clapham High Street, taking space previously occupied by Eco Restaurant and Superdrug. The retailer has signed a 20-year lease for the unit, which comprises approximately 8,300 sq ft of ground floor sales area alongside 3,400 sq ft of basement ancillary space. The store – which will be located next to Clapham Common Tube Station – is set to open in September and will follow M&S’s ‘food hall’ fit-out, similar to its locations in Brixton and St John’s Road, Clapham Junction. Eco has relocated to a new restaurant at 73 Venn Street. GCW advised the landlord Eco Group, whilst FMX represented M&S.

New Look to relocate to new concept store at Bluewater

17th March 2025

New Look is set to relocate its store at Bluewater in Kent, opening a new 12,120 sq ft concept store. The fashion retailer’s new store will be located on the scheme’s Upper Thames Walk and is due to open at the beginning of April. The new upgraded space will look to integrate new initiatives including digital inspiration, showrooms, and displays as a means to provide an enhanced shopping experience. It will also feature a dedicated service hub designed to improve collections and returns. James Waugh, centre director at Bluewater, said: “Here at Bluewater, we are always looking for ways to elevate our offering so that we remain in step with the ever-evolving retail landscape. “We are excited to announce the relocation of New Look’s new concept store on the bustling Upper Thames Walk. Their relocation exemplifies the brand’s commitment providing Bluewater’s guests with the best possible shopping experience. We encourage guests to visit the store on opening day to experience the array of exclusive deals on offer.” Elaine Cartwright, retail director at New Look, added: ‘Our decision to relocate and re design our Bluewater store demonstrates our commitment to bricks and mortar retailing in the UK & the important part stores play […]

Australian retailer Harvey Norman picks West Midlands shopping centre for new store and HQ

13th March 2025

Australian homewares retailer Harvey Norman is set to expand its UK presence with the opening of a new store and headquarters at The Gracechurch Centre in Royal Sutton Coldfield, near Birmingham. This comes after the retailer opened its debut store in England at Merry Hill in October 2024. The opening represents the first in a number of planned investments across the West Midlands, as part of the business’ wider UK and global expansion drive. Founded in 1982, Harvey Norman has since expanded its global presence and now has over 300 stores worldwide across Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Slovenia, Croatia, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Katie Page, CEO at Harvey Norman, said: “The West Midlands’ high grade retail space and exceptional connectivity are two key reasons why we’ve chosen Sutton Coldfield as the home of our new UK headquarters and to launch our next store here. Gracechurch will provide an excellent hub for our growing UK team and I look forward to returning to the region soon as we progress our expansion plans.” The opening forms part of a wider effort by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), which is backing plans to breathe new life into the...

Noodle & Beer makes West End debut in Chinatown London

13th March 2025

Sichuanese restaurant concept Noodle & Beer has opened its second location and its first in the West End in Chinatown London. Located at 27 Wardour Street, the 950 sq ft restaurant caters to 42 covers across two floors and features an intimate basement dining setting. The menu features a selection of noodle-based dishes alongside a rotation of beers, while the venue will be open late from Thursdays to Saturdays and play host to DJs and game nights. Noodle & Beer joins other food and beverage concepts on Wardour Street including Pochawa Grill, Kung Fu Noodle, and Chinatown Bakery. Emma Matus, head of restaurant leasing at Shaftesbury Capital, said: “Chinatown London is renowned for the strength of its authentic ESEA culture, which Noodle & Beer adds to with a hospitality experience that goes further than great food and drink. Its launch is a great way to kick off 2025, right in the midst of Chinese New Year celebrations, and with Wardour Street one of the busiest areas anywhere in the West End, we are thrilled for Noodle & Beer to join the line-up.” The opening of follows Chinatown London’s Chinese New Year celebrations, welcoming in the Year of the Snake. These […]

British Land and AustralianSuper bring pair of restaurants to Canada Water

13th March 2025

British Land and AustraliaSuper are set to bring the first restaurants to their 53-acre Canada Water development after securing a pair of F&B signings. Sushi Revolution and The Village Tree will be located on the ground floor of Three Deal Porters, a mixed-use building located opposite Canada Water tube station with collaborative workspace on the upper floors. Building on the success of its established restaurants in Brixton and Shoreditch, Sushi Revolution will be designed as a modern ‘izakaya’, an informal and affordable restaurant for dining-in and takeaway. The concept is spearheaded by Sticks’n’Sushi alumni and Canada Water local Aidan Bryan alongside Tom Blackshaw, who have nearly three decades of restaurant experience between them. The Village Tree will be the third offering from husband and wife team Matt Lloyd and Tze-May Ng, who run the successful restaurant and deli The Pear Tree in SE8, and The Barn at Surrey Docks City Farm. The all-day destination will serve salads, sandwiches, and savoury bakes, alongside a selection of baked goods. In the evening it will operate as a wine bar offering small plates. Alice Keown, leasing director of restaurants and leisure at British Land, said: “Sushi Revolution and The Village Tree are both […]

Footwear brand to open flagship at Covent Garden’s James Street as Swatch upsizes.

13th March 2025

Shaftesbury Capital has announced a pair of signings at Covent Garden’s James Street, with footwear brand Saucony set to open a flagship store whilst Swiss watchmaker Swatch relocates into a larger unit. Located at 4 James Street, Saucony’s flagship UK store will span 3,695 sq ft and feature dedicated areas for events, product launches, and collaborations. The store will also include an interactive running machine experience, along with its range of footwear and apparel for men and women. Meanwhile, watchmaker Swatch will be relocating from its existing store on James Street into a larger unit. Located at 11 James Street, the 1,400 sq ft store is set to open in May, offering a range of over 500 different watches. These new signings look to complement other recently-opened stores on James Street including Charlotte Tilbury and Longines. Saucony will add to Covent Garden’s premium performance-wear offer, which includes the likes of Arc’teryx, Peak Performance, HOKA and Alo Yoga, whilst Swatch will add to the neighbourhood’s roster of watch brands, including Hublot, OMEGA and Tissot. William Oliver, director of retail and restaurant leasing at Shaftesbury Capital, said: “James Street really captures the heart of Covent Garden, serving as the key gateway to […]

LCP welcomes pair of tenants to Worcestershire retail park

11th March 2025

LCP has welcomed Wacky Playland to M Weavers Wharf in Kidderminster, as it prepares for the upcoming arrival of Hypr Fitness at the scheme. Children’s activity centre Wacky Playland features a 15,909 sq ft soft play area, complete with a four-lane slide, a role-play area, as well as an on-site café offering food and drinks. Meanwhile, gym operator Hypr Fitness is set to open at M Weavers Wharf on 24th March, following a £1m investment. Occupying a 25,000 sq ft unit on a 15-year lease, the gym will offer additional facilities such as a swimming pool, steam room, and jacuzzi. Simon Eatough, director and asset manager at LCP, part of M Core, said: “At LCP, we are passionate about enhancing the visitor experience at M Weavers Wharf. The opening of Wacky Playland and the imminent arrival of Hypr Fitness reflect our commitment to creating a dynamic destination for shoppers and families alike. These new additions provide something for everyone, from family-friendly activities to premium fitness options, ensuring M Weavers Wharf remains a thriving hub in Kidderminster.”

Lakeside Shopping Centre welcomes four new F&B tenants

6th March 2025

Lakeside Shopping Centre in West Thurrock, Essex, has expanded its food and beverage line-up with the addition of four new tenants. The SGS-owned shopping centre is set to welcome the arrivals of Wingstop, Chipotle, Amorino, and Wendy’s. One of the UK’s fastest growing food retailers, Wingstop is known for its cooked wings and flavours, while Chipotle Mexican Grill brings customisable burritos, bowls, quesadillas, tacos and salads Wendy’s specialises in Hamburgers, while Amorino offers desserts such as waffles and crepes. Rob Jewell, managing director, asset management at Pradera Lateral, commented: “Our vision at Lakeside is to continually evolve the food and beverage experience, ensuring we provide a vibrant mix of renowned brands that meet the needs of all our visitors. The additions of these new operators will strengthen the centre’s appeal through both grab and go and sit down options, ensuring that there really is something for every visitor, at any time of day.” The new arrivals add to Lakeside’s existing line-up of over 50 food and beverage operators, including Harrods Champagne bar and Love Churros, as well as a number of restaurants on The Boardwalk.

Mulligans mini-golf to swing into Guildford

5th March 2025

Adventure Leisure, the group behind the Mulligans, BUNKERS, Total Ninja, and Ninja Warrior UK leisure concepts, is set to open its 14th Mulligans venue in Guildford town centre. Mulligans Guildford will occupy a 17,000 sq ft site on North Street, created via the amalgamation of two vacant units. TGI Fridays formerly occupied the larger, ground floor unit, whilst the basement unit was previously home to a nightclub and then a pop-up leisure venue, Slice. The venue will feature two 9-hole crazy golf courses, as well as electronic darts, American pool, and electro-shuffleboard. It will also feature sports-related arcade games such as air hockey, skeeball, and basketball. Mulligans Guildford will also feature a family-friendly sports area which features TV screens with booth seating, as well as a food and beverage offering. Completely Retail News first reported Adventure Leisure’s bid to open a Guildford venue in August 2024. Stephen Brown, chief operating officer of Adventure Leisure, said: “We can’t wait to open our latest Mulligan’s venue in Guildford, we’ve had our eyes on it as a new site for quite some time. We have some really special plans for the golf courses in particular and it’s fantastic to be working with Zachary...