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

Lincoln’s retail sector is set to receive another boost this summer as fashion brand Superdry prepares to open a new flagship-style store at the Waterside shopping centre, reinforcing confidence in well-located retail destinations and the continued evolution of the UK’s high street. The retailer has secured an 11,200 sq ft unit across two floors within the popular retail and leisure destination, with fit-out works now underway ahead of an anticipated opening at the end of July. The new store has been designed to provide dedicated retail environments for both menswear and womenswear, with the ground floor showcasing the brand’s women’s collections and the upper floor focused on men’s fashion. The arrival of Superdry further strengthens Waterside’s occupier mix, joining a portfolio of established national retailers including H&M, Next, Rituals, The Body Shop, New Look, Accessorize and Office. The announcement represents another positive milestone for Waterside following recent investment by property developer and investor Wykeland Group. Wykeland initially acquired the 130,000 sq ft shopping centre through a joint venture with Lincolnshire Co-op in 2023 before taking full ownership earlier this year, signalling its long-term commitment to the destination. Jason Platten, Head of Retail and Leisure at Wykeland, described Superdry as a major addition to the centre, noting that the retailer’s decision to invest in Waterside reflects growing confidence in the scheme’s strong footfall and its position at the heart of Lincoln’s retail and leisure offer. He added that Wykeland remains committed to investing in the centre to enhance the customer experience while attracting high-quality occupiers that support its long-term success and strengthen its appeal to both shoppers and brands. For Superdry, the opening forms part of its wider strategy to invest in physical retailing, recognising the continued importance of well-designed stores in delivering engaging customer experiences alongside its online channels. Founder and Chief Executive Julian Dunkerton said the new Lincoln store reflects the company’s commitment to creating attractive retail environments that showcase the brand’s evolving identity while bringing its latest collections closer to customers. The investment highlights the continued resilience of high-quality regional retail destinations, with landlords increasingly focused on curating strong tenant mixes and investing in their assets to create vibrant, experience-led environments that support long-term commercial success. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Premium footwear and clothing brand to take 1,362 sq ft at 6 Conduit Street The Crown Estate has today announced the signing of Dubarry of Ireland for a new UK flagship store at 6 Conduit Street, just off Regent Street. Occupying 1,362 sq ft, Dubarry has signed a 6-year lease for the new store, which will open this summer. The move represents an expansion from Dubarry’s existing Sloane Square location, giving the brand a stronger presence in central London and a prominent position close to Regent Street. Founded in Galway in 1937, Dubarry combines traditional craftsmanship with technical performance across footwear, clothing and accessories, creating products designed for outdoor lifestyles and long-term wear. The brand launched its first physical retail space in Dublin in 2012, followed by its first UK store in London in 2013 and Cheltenham in 2016. The latest signing marks the next stage in its UK growth, following a recent opening in Edinburgh. Dubarry of Ireland is the latest heritage-led brand to join The Crown Estate’s West End portfolio, sitting alongside iconic names such as Burberry, Barbour, and Mulberry, and most recently British travel brand Antler, whose Regent Street store opened in April 2026. The signing reinforces The Crown Estate’s strategy to curate a strong mix of quality brands across the Regent Street area. Adjacent streets such as Conduit Street play an important role, providing a complementary location to Regent Street for brands seeking central London visibility, strong footfall and access to a broad customer base of shoppers, residents, office workers and visitors. Laura Thursfield, Retail Leasing Director at The Crown Estate, said: “We are delighted to welcome Dubarry of Ireland to its new UK flagship store on Conduit Street. With its reputation for craftsmanship, quality and timeless design, the brand is ideally suited to the premium retail mix around Regent Street. “This signing reflects our continued focus on curating a balanced retail offer across the West End, bringing together established names, newer brands and evolving concepts that add variety, quality and character. This blend helps ensure the area continues to appeal to a broad range of visitors while maintaining its position as a world class destination for shopping, leisure and hospitality.” Michael Walsh, Marketing Director at Dubarry of Ireland, said: “Opening our new flagship store in The Crown Estate’s portfolio marks an exciting milestone for Dubarry. This location gives us the opportunity to showcase the full breadth of our collection in a setting that reflects both our heritage and our commitment to quality craftsmanship. As a brand with deep roots in Ireland, we are delighted to bring the Dubarry experience to one of London’s most prestigious retail destinations and look forward to welcoming both loyal customers and new audiences through our doors.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Waitrose has unveiled plans to open two new supermarkets in London and Manchester as part of its ambitious long-term growth strategy and £1bn investment programme. The retailer will launch new stores in Hale Barns, South Manchester, and Cricklewood in North West London, strengthening its presence in two key markets while continuing to modernise and expand its national estate. Together, the new supermarkets will provide more than 30,000 sq ft of retail space and are expected to open this autumn. The Hale Barns location is currently trading, while the Cricklewood store forms part of a newly developed site. The latest openings represent another significant step in Waitrose’s wider strategy to bring the brand closer to more customers through carefully selected locations and modern retail formats. Tina Mitchell, retail director at Waitrose, said the new stores are an important part of the company’s plans to expand its reach while continuing to deliver the quality, service and convenience that customers expect. The investment forms part of a broader programme that extends well beyond new store openings. Waitrose has identified supply chain modernisation, network expansion and estate improvement as key priorities for future growth. As part of this commitment, the retailer plans to refurbish 28 existing stores during the year, enhancing customer experience and ensuring its portfolio remains fit for the future. The programme reflects a growing trend among major retailers to invest in both physical stores and operational infrastructure as consumer expectations continue to evolve. The openings also support local employment, with existing Asda employees at the Hale Barns store set to transition into roles within Waitrose, while additional recruitment will take place across both locations. The announcement follows Waitrose’s recent move into the travel retail market, with its products now being stocked in four RELAY stores at Heathrow Terminal 2. The initiative marks the retailer’s first entry into airport retailing and forms part of a wider effort to reach customers through new channels and locations. With further investment planned across its store network, supply chain operations and customer experience initiatives, Waitrose continues to position itself for long-term growth while reinforcing confidence in the future of bricks-and-mortar retail. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Marks & Spencer has continued its nationwide investment programme with the opening of 15 new stores over the past year as the retailer pushes ahead with plans to modernise its estate and strengthen long-term growth. In its preliminary results for the year ending 28 March 2026, M&S confirmed it had opened 12 new food stores alongside three new full-line locations as part of its wider store rotation and expansion strategy. The retailer said it is entering the 2026/27 financial year with a renewed focus on three core investment areas — supply chain modernisation, technology transformation and upgrading its store portfolio — with a strong pipeline of larger, high-volume stores now planned. The expansion reflects M&S’s ongoing strategy to reposition its estate around modern retail formats, stronger food-led locations and more efficient, digitally enabled operations designed to improve customer experience and long-term trading performance. Despite challenging market conditions, the business said it remains committed to investing in both quality and value while accelerating the pace of transformation across the company. M&S reported an adjusted pre-tax profit of £671.4m for the year, representing a year-on-year decline of 23.8%. Chief executive Stuart Machin said retailers continue to face a “triple whammy” of pressures, including increased taxation, greater regulation and ongoing global instability. However, he stressed that M&S remains focused on long-term investment and operational improvement rather than short-term challenges. Machin said the company’s priority is to “protect the magic of M&S while modernising the rest”, highlighting the momentum now building across the business. The retailer’s investment programme comes amid wider change across the UK retail property market, where major occupiers are increasingly prioritising modern, high-performing locations capable of supporting omnichannel retailing, operational efficiency and evolving customer expectations. M&S has continued to invest heavily in store upgrades, food hall expansion, digital infrastructure and logistics improvements as part of its long-term growth strategy. The company’s latest openings also reflect continued confidence in physical retail, particularly in high-footfall locations and convenience-led food formats, despite ongoing pressures across the wider retail sector. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals