HMV returns to Woking’s Victoria Place

HMV is set to return to Woking’s Victoria Place, as the scheme prepares to celebrate its first anniversary since opening following a major regeneration project.

The music and entertainment retailer will take a 3,982 sq ft store in the former Topshop store at 46-47 Jubilee Mall in March.

Following a difficult period, the retailer saw a return to profit as vinyl outsold CDs for the first time in 35 years.

HMV’s arrival follows a period of success for the £700m regeneration scheme, which relaunched in March 2022. Since opening, Victoria Place has seen the arrival of formalwear brand Moss Bros., footwear retailer Skechers, and bakery GAIL’s, amongst others.

The opening of the centre was anchored by a 50,000 sq ft regional flagship for M&S, and Victoria Place has also seen strong leasing of The Marches, a build-to-rent community with 80% of apartments now let.

The scheme is also preparing to welcome Lark London, which opens in March, marking the brand’s debut outside of the capital.

Sanjay Arora, chief operating officer and head of property at Arora, which acquired the scheme in February, said: “As the proud new owners of the centre, we look forward to welcoming in many more brands such as HMV to enhance the customer’s shopping experience and to make Woking a desirable choice for shoppers.”

Councillor Ann-Marie Barker, leader of Woking Borough Council, added: “It is important to us to cater to all of a consumer’s needs, and the series of leading brands that have committed to the destination since its launch last year is evidence of our dedication to revitalising the town centre.”