Frasers Group is continuing to evolve beyond its traditional retail roots, combining an expanding portfolio of sports, premium and luxury brands with growing investment in stores, shopping destinations and property across the UK. Led by Chief Executive Michael Murray, the group has set out a strategy centred on building a powerful and increasingly connected brand ecosystem. Its approach brings together retail brands, physical property, digital innovation and investment in customer experience, giving the business a significant presence across the changing UK retail and commercial property landscape. The latest major addition is Harvey Nichols, with Frasers Group acquiring the luxury department store business from administrators in August. The transaction brings the historic retailer into a wider luxury ecosystem in which Frasers has already invested substantially through brands and concepts including FLANNELS. Harvey Nichols brings with it an important physical retail estate, including its landmark Knightsbridge department store alongside UK locations in Edinburgh, Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham and Bristol. Frasers has made clear that significant restructuring will be required to create a stronger and more sustainable business for the long term, with the store portfolio, operating model, organisational structure and cost base expected to come under review. Michael Murray said the acquisition represented an opportunity to provide Harvey Nichols with the infrastructure, expertise and investment required to reposition the business, while acknowledging that creating a sustainable future could result in a smaller operation in the short term. The deal illustrates the increasingly close relationship between Frasers Group’s brand strategy and its approach to physical retail property. Rather than viewing stores simply as places to transact, the group has increasingly focused on larger, higher-quality environments capable of bringing together multiple brands and creating stronger destinations. That strategy can also be seen at Frasers Plus Designer Outlet Leeds, where continued investment in the occupier mix is strengthening the centre’s fashion, sportswear and lifestyle offer. The destination brings together Frasers-owned concepts alongside a broad range of third-party retailers, demonstrating how property can provide a platform for a diverse mix of brands. French Connection is among the latest additions, opening a 2,257 sq ft store featuring its latest retail concept. Its arrival follows other recent openings from Belstaff and White Stuff, providing further evidence of investment in the destination and its evolving tenant mix. For the built environment sector, this combination of ownership, retail operations and brand investment is particularly significant. Frasers can use its understanding of customer behaviour and individual brands to influence how physical destinations are occupied, repositioned and operated. The group’s wider approach has also placed greater emphasis on elevating physical retail. New and refurbished stores, contemporary shop fits and stronger brand presentation form part of a strategy intended to give customers compelling reasons to continue visiting bricks-and-mortar destinations alongside the growth of online retail. Sustainability and the performance of the physical estate are another part of the long-term picture. Frasers Group has identified areas including energy efficiency, waste reduction and transport as important considerations as it looks to reduce the environmental impact associated with its operations. These considerations are becoming increasingly important as retailers and property owners examine the whole-life performance of their buildings. Reusing, refurbishing and repositioning established retail assets can provide opportunities to create more efficient and commercially relevant spaces while reducing reliance on entirely new development. Frasers Group’s growth therefore presents an increasingly significant property story as well as a retail one. Its estate provides the physical platform through which a growing collection of brands can be developed, while investment in shopping destinations creates opportunities to introduce new occupiers, improve customer experiences and strengthen the performance of existing assets. The acquisition of Harvey Nichols adds another dimension. The challenge will be to preserve the character and heritage that make the department store distinctive while creating a commercially sustainable model capable of succeeding within a dramatically changed luxury retail market. Across the wider portfolio, the direction is towards closer integration between brands, property and experience. Frasers Group’s expanding ecosystem now stretches across sports, premium and luxury retail, supported by continued investment in physical stores, digital capabilities and customer experience. As retail property continues to adapt to changing consumer habits, Frasers Group’s ability to combine brand ownership with investment in physical destinations could become an increasingly important part of its growth. From the future of Harvey Nichols to the continued evolution of its shopping destinations and store estate, property is becoming a significant component in how Frasers Group builds the next generation of its retail business. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Hertfordshire’s leading retail and leisure destination, Harlequin Watford, which isowned and managed by SGS UK Retail, has announced that the immersive gaming concept, Activate, has now opened within the centre, bolstering Harlequin’s diverse tenant mix of retail, F&B, and leisure occupiers. Activate, which has taken a 15,592 sq ft unit, joins Harlequin’s evolving leisure offering, alongside Cineworld, Boom Battle Bar and Flip Out, affirming the centre’s position as both a thriving dual-purpose retail destination and a focal point for leisure and entertainment. Following Activate’s success within its London sites, and its global success across Canada, the US, and Dubai, SGS identified its popularity, along with the needs and wants of its visitors to open the brand’s 3rd destination outside of the capital. The regional debut cements Harlequin’s reputation as a key regional destination for visitors from across north London, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire.  As competitive socialising concepts continue to grow in popularity, the branch will feature technology-driven challenges, interactive game rooms, enhanced with lasers, grids, hoops, portals and reaction-based challenges. The new leisure addition offers a range of physical, mental and team-based challenges tailored for groups of friends, families, birthday parties and corporate teams. Games on offer include player favourites, including Activate’s most popular game, Mega Grid. It will also feature Grid, where the floor transforms into a giant interactive playing surface, challenging teams to jump, sprint and strategise their way to victory. Mega Laser is another fan favourite that will feature in the scheme, with players navigating a room criss-crossed by laser beams without triggering alarms in an experience reminiscent of Mission: Impossible. Rich Beese, co-founder of We Do Play, said: “The arrival of Activate at Harlequin is a pivotal time in the brand’s growth, as one of the first branches outside of London. With its impressive footfall from a broad catchment, we are certain that this branch in Watford will be well received as competitive socialising concepts offer something fresh and continue to grow in demand.” Robert Jewell, Managing Director of Asset Management at Pradera, commented: “As Activate officially joins our evolving portfolio of leisure tenants, it affirms Harlequin’s position as the region’s premier all-day destination for shopping, dining and leisure. The immersive gaming concept joins as we are seeing strong performance of our competitive socialising options, signalling the scheme’s success as an all-day destination.”  The opening follows the recent opening of Chop & Wok at Harlequin, as it continues to evolve its F&B and leisure options in line with increasing demand. Harlequin’s success in securing both quality and diverse occupiers comes after strong investment and long-term strategy to hold its position as the region’s go-to destination for everything. Time Retail and LM are Harlequin’s retail leasing agents, and Metis and LM lead the leisure leasing.  Pradera asset manages Lakeside on behalf of SGS UK Retail.  LM acted for Activate. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

JD Sports is significantly expanding its presence at Sheffield’s Meadowhall shopping centre with the opening of a major new flagship store, reinforcing the retailer’s continued investment in high-performing retail destinations. Opening at the end of July, the new store will span 29,225 sq ft, making it almost three times larger than JD’s previous unit at the centre. The expansion will enable the retailer to offer an even broader selection of sportswear, footwear and fashion brands while enhancing the overall customer experience through a modern retail environment. The enlarged store has been designed to accommodate JD’s growing product range and evolving retail format, with new self-service tills helping to deliver quicker and more convenient transactions for shoppers. The investment further strengthens Meadowhall’s position as one of the UK’s leading regional shopping destinations, where retailers continue to invest in larger, experience-led stores that reflect changing consumer expectations and demand for premium retail environments. JD Sports joins an increasingly strong line-up of fashion and lifestyle brands at the centre, complementing recent arrivals including Pull&Bear and Stradivarius, alongside established names such as Flannels and Sweaty Betty. For the retail property sector, the expansion reflects the ongoing trend of major retailers consolidating into larger, flagship locations capable of showcasing wider product ranges while delivering more engaging customer experiences. As shopping centres continue to evolve, investment in high-quality retail space remains a key driver in attracting leading national and international brands. Darren Pearce, Centre Director at Meadowhall, said: “JD is already one of our most popular retailers, so to see the brand invest in a store of this scale is fantastic – it really demonstrates its confidence in Meadowhall as a destination. Almost tripling in size, the new store will give shoppers access to a wider range of brands and the very latest in sportswear and fashion, all under one roof. “It builds on what has been a brilliant year of new arrivals at the centre. From Pull&Bear and Stradivarius to now a huge new JD, we’re incredibly proud of the new brands and experiences we’re giving to our shoppers.” James Air, Director of Group Real Estate and Acquisitions at JD Sports, added: “We’re proud to be expanding our presence in Sheffield, creating a prime megastore within the heart of Meadowhall. This investment reflects our commitment to the city and gives customers access to an even bigger selection of the world’s leading sports, fashion and lifestyle brands, all within a phenomenal, high-spec new retail space. We can’t wait to welcome shoppers through the doors.” The latest investment highlights the continued resilience of destination retail centres, where occupiers are increasingly seeking larger, more flexible units that combine an extensive product offering with modern store design and technology. For Meadowhall, the opening of JD’s new megastore represents another significant milestone in the centre’s ongoing evolution, strengthening its appeal as a premier retail and leisure destination in the North of England. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Marks & Spencer has opened its largest standalone food store to date, marking another significant milestone in the retailer’s ongoing investment programme to modernise its estate and expand its food offering across the UK. Located at The Wharf Retail Park in Godalming, Surrey, the new 22,000 sq ft Foodhall occupies a former Homebase unit, demonstrating the continued repurposing of large-format retail space to meet changing consumer demand and evolving high street trends. The flagship store has been designed to provide customers with M&S’s most comprehensive food offering, reflecting the retailer’s strategy of creating larger, destination food stores capable of supporting the weekly family shop. Inside, shoppers will find expanded fresh produce departments, multi-temperature displays for herbs, organic produce and fruit, an enlarged in-store bakery and an enhanced cheese barge. The Foodhall also features a dedicated chicken shop, sushi counter, rotisserie chicken station, a new kitchen shop and an upgraded beers, wines and spirits department. The opening forms part of M&S’s wider property strategy, which is focused on investing in new stores while upgrading existing locations to deliver larger, more modern retail environments. By increasing the size and capability of its Foodhalls, the retailer aims to better serve families looking to complete more of their grocery shopping in a single visit, while maintaining the premium quality and trusted value associated with the M&S brand. For the retail property and construction sectors, the Godalming development highlights the continued evolution of retail parks, with former big-box units increasingly being repurposed to accommodate stronger-performing occupiers. The conversion of the former Homebase store also reflects a broader trend towards adapting existing retail assets rather than delivering new-build developments, supporting the long-term viability of established retail destinations. Alex Freudmann, Managing Director of M&S Food, said: “We’re doubling our food business with investment where family customers are asking for it most: bigger, better stores and more trusted value on the products families buy every week. “Godalming is our biggest ever standalone food store and an example of the kind of modern, full-range Foodhall we’re investing in as we double the size of the business. It brings together the full M&S Food range, more space for the weekly shop and the latest store design so customers can get everything they need in one trip, without compromising on the M&S quality they expect.” The Godalming opening represents another step in M&S’s long-term retail transformation strategy, reinforcing the company’s confidence in physical stores while demonstrating how investment in larger, experience-led retail environments continues to reshape the UK’s grocery and retail property landscape. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A groundbreaking ceremony in June officially marked the start of the next phase of construction at the multi-million redevelopment of the Priory Shopping Centre on Bridge Street in Worksop. With £17.9 million of UK Government funding, in addition to £2 million from Bassetlaw District Council, the scheme is being delivered by Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, on behalf of Bassetlaw District Council, under The Medium Works Framework, which Pagabo manage on behalf of The Education Alliance. Representatives from Bassetlaw District Council, including Leader of the Council Cllr Julie Leigh, joined project partners G F Tomlinson, Pagabo, project managers Beyond Consult, Anotherkind Architects and consultants, Gleeds at the ceremony to celebrate the commencement of construction works following the completion of the demolition phase. The event marked another significant milestone in the transformation of the Priory Centre site, which is set to become a revitalised leisure and retail destination at the heart of Worksop town centre. Enabling works began on site in February 2026, followed by the careful demolition of sections of the existing Priory Centre building. Works were completed while maintaining access to operational retail units and key pedestrian routes through the town centre, ensuring minimal disruption to businesses, residents and visitors. Construction activity is now underway with the shopping centre set to host facilities including a climbing wall, indoor adventure play area and a bowling alley. Further works include public areas being refreshed and the installation of a pedestrian bridge over the Chesterfield Canal, providing a new gateway to the redevelopment and town centre. The redevelopment set to deliver a modern, attractive environment designed to increase footfall, strengthen the town centre offer and support long-term economic growth within the area. Located within the historic market town of Worksop, the project continues to present complex logistical considerations due to its proximity to existing retailers, residential properties and busy access routes. G F Tomlinson has worked closely with the Council and stakeholders throughout the programme to ensure works are delivered safely and efficiently while maintaining public access and business operations. Bassetlaw District Council purchased the site in 2023, with the majority of the £20 million redevelopment funding secured through the previous government’s Levelling Up Fund. The regeneration scheme forms a key part of the Council’s wider ambitions to enhance the town centre and create a destination that better serves local residents, businesses and visitors. Andy Sewards, Chairman of G F Tomlinson, said: “The ground-breaking ceremony represents a proud moment for everyone involved in this transformational project and demonstrates the collaborative working approach that has brought us to this stage. Following the successful completion of the demolition works, it is exciting to see construction now progressing on site and the vision for the future of The Priory Centre beginning to take shape. “As a contractor with a long history of delivering regeneration projects across the Midlands, we understand the importance of developments such as this in supporting local communities and creating lasting economic and social value. Our team has worked closely with Bassetlaw District Council and project stakeholders throughout the planning and early delivery phases to ensure the works are carried out safely and sensitively within this busy town centre environment.” Cllr Julie Leigh, Leader of Bassetlaw District Council, said: ““We have reached a major milestone in this transformational development that will bring modern leisure and entertainment facilities to our town centre. The change is already remarkable, and the true scale of the project is becoming clear. It is exciting to see the foundations being laid for a new destination that will help to revitalise the high street and compliment the impact we are already making by attracting new businesses and supporting existing retailers.” Elliott Talbot, senior category manager at Pagabo, said: “It’s fantastic to see construction progressing on this important regeneration project following the successful completion of the demolition phase. The redevelopment of The Priory Centre demonstrates the value of strong collaboration between the public sector, delivery partners and the local supply chain to bring ambitious town centre renewal projects to life. Through The Medium Works Framework, we’re proud to support Bassetlaw District Council in delivering a scheme that will create lasting social and economic benefits for Worksop, helping to enhance the town centre experience for residents, businesses and visitors for years to come.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The UK’s retail property sector is set for another significant period of change after TGJones secured High Court approval for a major restructuring plan that could see up to 150 former WHSmith high street stores close across the country. The decision follows the acquisition of WHSmith’s historic high street business by Modella Capital, with the retailer now operating under the TGJones brand while WHSmith continues to focus on its travel division. The restructuring represents one of the largest retail estate reviews in recent years and is expected to have implications for landlords, town centres, retail asset managers and commercial property investors as the business reshapes its nationwide portfolio. TGJones currently operates 451 stores and employs more than 4,700 people, but the approved plan will allow the business to streamline its estate by closing underperforming locations while renegotiating lease agreements across hundreds of remaining stores. As part of the restructuring, the retailer intends to significantly reduce its occupational costs. Around 120 landlords will receive no rental income from affected stores for up to three years, while rents across many other locations are expected to be reduced by between 15% and 75%. For the commercial property sector, the move highlights the continued evolution of Britain’s high streets as retailers seek more sustainable operating models in response to changing consumer behaviour, rising operating costs and increasing competition from online shopping. Store closures inevitably present challenges for landlords and local authorities, but they can also create opportunities for town centre regeneration through the repurposing of vacant retail units. Across the UK, former high street premises are increasingly being converted into mixed-use developments, leisure destinations, healthcare facilities, flexible workspaces, residential accommodation and community uses, helping to diversify town centres and attract new investment. Modella Capital has confirmed it intends to invest £35 million into the business as part of its long-term recovery strategy. Alongside changes to supplier repayment arrangements and lease restructuring, the investment is designed to create a more financially sustainable retailer capable of adapting to today’s retail environment. The company said many of the challenges inherited following the acquisition stemmed from years of underinvestment in the store estate, alongside a cash shortfall approaching £8 million. It also acknowledged that difficult retail trading conditions and the loss of the long-established WHSmith brand had added further pressure during the transition. For the construction and property industries, the restructuring serves as another reminder of the changing role of physical retail. As occupier requirements evolve, developers, investors and landlords are increasingly focusing on refurbishment, adaptive reuse and mixed-use regeneration to ensure town centre assets remain commercially viable and continue to contribute to the long-term vitality of local communities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Footasylum has reinforced its commitment to bricks-and-mortar retail with the reopening of its significantly upgraded store at the Trafford Centre in Greater Manchester, as the retailer continues an ambitious programme of investment across its UK property portfolio. The refurbished 17,178 sq ft store represents the latest phase of Footasylum’s national expansion strategy, reflecting growing confidence in prime retail destinations that continue to attract strong footfall and deliver engaging customer experiences. Located within one of the UK’s premier shopping centres, the upgraded store has been designed to provide an enhanced retail environment, offering an extensive range of leading sportswear and lifestyle brands including Nike, Adidas Originals, ASICS, Saucony and Berghaus, alongside Footasylum’s own exclusive labels such as Monterrain and Forena. The investment forms part of a wider programme of property and operational expansion that has seen the retailer open new stores in Manchester Arndale, Trinity Leeds and Merthyr Tydfil, while continuing to strengthen its presence in strategically important retail locations across the UK. For the property and construction sector, the latest investment highlights the ongoing evolution of physical retail space. Modern retail fit-outs increasingly focus on creating flexible, experience-led environments capable of supporting changing consumer behaviours, premium product presentation and seamless integration with digital retail platforms. Alongside its store expansion programme, Footasylum has continued investing in its wider operational infrastructure, including increasing warehouse capacity to support future growth and securing additional funding from HSBC UK to accelerate its ongoing rollout strategy. The business has also expanded into international markets across Central Europe and the Gulf region, demonstrating confidence in its long-term growth ambitions. The retailer has also strengthened its leadership team with the recent appointment of Hannah Mercer as Chief Executive Officer and entered into a strategic partnership with British streetwear brand Trapstar, further enhancing its product offering and brand appeal. Shannon Osman, Retail Director at Footasylum, described the upgraded Trafford Centre store as another landmark in the company’s UK expansion plans. She said the investment reflects Footasylum’s commitment to creating innovative retail destinations that strengthen customer engagement while offering an enhanced shopping experience in one of the country’s highest-performing retail centres. The continued investment also demonstrates the resilience of well-located shopping destinations such as the Trafford Centre, where landlords and occupiers are working together to deliver high-quality retail environments that attract leading brands and support long-term asset performance. As retailers continue to adapt their property strategies to changing consumer expectations, investment in modern store design, premium fit-outs and flagship locations remains an important driver of the UK’s retail property market, creating opportunities across construction, interiors, building services and commercial fit-out sectors. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A groundbreaking ceremony in June officially marked the start of the next phase of construction at the multi-million redevelopment of the Priory Shopping Centre on Bridge Street in Worksop. With £17.9 million of UK Government funding, in addition to £2 million from Bassetlaw District Council, the scheme is being delivered by Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, on behalf of Bassetlaw District Council, under The Medium Works Framework, which Pagabo manage on behalf of The Education Alliance. Representatives from Bassetlaw District Council, including Leader of the Council Cllr Julie Leigh, joined project partners G F Tomlinson, Pagabo, project managers Beyond Consult, Anotherkind Architects and consultants, Gleeds at the ceremony to celebrate the commencement of construction works following the completion of the demolition phase. The event marked another significant milestone in the transformation of the Priory Centre site, which is set to become a revitalised leisure and retail destination at the heart of Worksop town centre. Enabling works began on site in February 2026, followed by the careful demolition of sections of the existing Priory Centre building. Works were completed while maintaining access to operational retail units and key pedestrian routes through the town centre, ensuring minimal disruption to businesses, residents and visitors. Construction activity is now underway with the shopping centre set to host facilities including a climbing wall, indoor adventure play area and a bowling alley. Further works include public areas being refreshed and the installation of a pedestrian bridge over the Chesterfield Canal, providing a new gateway to the redevelopment and town centre. The redevelopment set to deliver a modern, attractive environment designed to increase footfall, strengthen the town centre offer and support long-term economic growth within the area. Located within the historic market town of Worksop, the project continues to present complex logistical considerations due to its proximity to existing retailers, residential properties and busy access routes. G F Tomlinson has worked closely with the Council and stakeholders throughout the programme to ensure works are delivered safely and efficiently while maintaining public access and business operations. Bassetlaw District Council purchased the site in 2023, with the majority of the £20 million redevelopment funding secured through the previous government’s Levelling Up Fund. The regeneration scheme forms a key part of the Council’s wider ambitions to enhance the town centre and create a destination that better serves local residents, businesses and visitors. Andy Sewards, Chairman of G F Tomlinson, said: “The ground-breaking ceremony represents a proud moment for everyone involved in this transformational project and demonstrates the collaborative working approach that has brought us to this stage. Following the successful completion of the demolition works, it is exciting to see construction now progressing on site and the vision for the future of The Priory Centre beginning to take shape. “As a contractor with a long history of delivering regeneration projects across the Midlands, we understand the importance of developments such as this in supporting local communities and creating lasting economic and social value. Our team has worked closely with Bassetlaw District Council and project stakeholders throughout the planning and early delivery phases to ensure the works are carried out safely and sensitively within this busy town centre environment.” Cllr Julie Leigh, Leader of Bassetlaw District Council, said: ““We have reached a major milestone in this transformational development that will bring modern leisure and entertainment facilities to our town centre. The change is already remarkable, and the true scale of the project is becoming clear. It is exciting to see the foundations being laid for a new destination that will help to revitalise the high street and compliment the impact we are already making by attracting new businesses and supporting existing retailers.” Elliott Talbot, senior category manager at Pagabo, said: “It’s fantastic to see construction progressing on this important regeneration project following the successful completion of the demolition phase. The redevelopment of The Priory Centre demonstrates the value of strong collaboration between the public sector, delivery partners and the local supply chain to bring ambitious town centre renewal projects to life. Through The Medium Works Framework, we’re proud to support Bassetlaw District Council in delivering a scheme that will create lasting social and economic benefits for Worksop, helping to enhance the town centre experience for residents, businesses and visitors for years to come.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Harlequin Watford, the top 30 retail and leisure destinationowned and operated by SGS UK Retail, has announced the signing of JD Gyms, one of the UK’s fastest growing fitness operators. Recognising the unique duality of Harlequin, which serves as both the heart of Watford and as a destination of choice for customers living in North London and across the Home Counties, JD Gyms will bring high-spec, premium fitness facilities together with exceptional value to the centre. At over 30,000 sq ft, the development will serve as a regional flagship for JD Gyms. It will deliver a fitness experience that combines a state-of-the-art gym and studio facilities with a huge range of cutting-edge equipment, all set within a bold, design-led space anchored by a striking glass atrium. The brand will join Harlequin Watford’s carefully selected mix of leading UK and international retail and leisure operators, such as Uniqlo, Space NK, PuttShack, and Boom Battle Bar, adding to what is already a unique mix in the region. It will benefit from Harlequin Watford’s annual footfall of 17.2 million, which is ahead of many super regional centres in the UK, and cater to the destination’s diverse catchment, which extends into London and across Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire. Robert Jewell, Managing Director of Asset Management at Pradera, commented: “As Harlequin continues to evolve as a dual-purpose destination for both retail and leisure, the signing of such an in-demand brand as JD Gyms is another landmark moment for the centre’s ongoing evolution. Harlequin continues to welcome its visitors back time and time again, and the arrival of JD Gyms will create yet another reason for customers to spend more time at the centre as part of their active lifestyles.” Darren Pallett, Property Director at JD Gyms, adds: “We are delighted to be bringing a new flagship gym to Harlequin Watford, combining standout design, exceptional facilities, and great value. The site provides us with a high-quality, high-footfall destination and it marks another step in our ambition to bring our award-winning concept to more locations across the South East.” Set to open in autumn this year, the signing comes after the news that Activate, the fast-growing competitive socialising brand, is also joining the scheme. This, alongside JD Gym’s signing, reaffirms Harlequin Watford’s investment in best-in-class retail and leisure brands for its expansive catchment of 6.8 million people. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals