Multimillion-pound investment brings up to 60 jobs, Scotland-leading ultra-rapid EV charging points and a confidence boost for the Irvine Valley East Ayrshire’s Irvine Valley has received its most significant economic boost in decades with the formal launch of the new Loudoun Retail Park in Galston last Thursday (13 November). In
Ikea has chosen The Boulevard in Banbridge for its first-ever outlet store in Northern Ireland, rounding off a landmark year of expansion for Ikea UK & Ireland. The 2,691 sq ft pop-up store, which will trade until spring 2026, is designed as a convenient hub for planning services, home furnishings
British Land has officially launched Broadgate Central, the City of London’s newest retail, dining and leisure destination. Situated within the Broadgate Campus, the development provides 120,000 sq ft of space across the ground and lower ground floors of 1 Broadgate and 100 Liverpool Street. British Land confirmed that 90% of
By Matthew Reed – Head of Asset Management (Retail Parks) at British Land What’s driving retail parks to outperform? It’s the combination of affordability, accessibility, and adaptability – a strategy that attracts leading brands, welcomes new formats, and keeps our parks thriving. When it comes to the future of retail,
The Mayor of London has named seasoned retail and real estate executive Scott Parsons as his preferred choice to chair the board of the new Oxford Street Development Corporation, the body tasked with leading the transformation of the capital’s most famous shopping street. Parsons is currently chief executive of Lysara,
Salford City Council has approved the £1.3bn transformation of Regent Retail Park into a vibrant green mixed-use neighbourhood, marking one of the city’s most ambitious regeneration schemes to date. The project, led by Henley Investment Management, will create a new urban quarter known as Regent Park, combining homes, retail, community
Aldi is stepping up its growth plans ahead of the festive season, confirming it will open 16 new supermarkets by 12 December. The programme forms part of a £650m investment in its UK estate during 2025 and sits within a wider £1.6bn commitment over the next two years, as the
Places for London, Transport for London’s property company, has added a prominent Brixton retail block to its growing portfolio as it continues to invest in income-generating assets across the capital. The properties, at 421–457 Brixton Road, sit directly adjacent to Brixton Underground Station and include a parade of well-known high
The new “best-in-class” store sees the retail footprint increased by over 35%, with investment in new Beauty Studios, luxury fragrance counters, a nurse clinic, and an enhanced pharmacy. Superdrug, the UK’s leading health and beauty retailer, has completed the expansion of its popular store in Overgate, Dundee, increasing the footprint
High street favourite Bodycare is preparing for a major return, with plans to open up to 50 new stores across the UK following its recent acquisition by Charles Denton, the former chief executive of The Body Shop. The beauty and personal care retailer, which went into administration last month, was
Multimillion-pound investment brings up to 60 jobs, Scotland-leading ultra-rapid EV charging points and a confidence boost for the Irvine Valley East Ayrshire’s Irvine Valley has received its most significant economic boost in decades with the formal launch of the new Loudoun Retail Park in Galston last Thursday (13 November). In addition to retailers Greggs and Farmfoods which are already drawing crowds, energy giant E.ON has installed eight 300 kW EV charging bays which are amongst the most powerful and fastest in Scotland. The development, led by local businessmen Gareth Downie and Paul McIvor of Downie & McIvor Capital, represents a multimillion-pound investment and is already delivering on its ambition to revitalise confidence in the potential of the Irvine Valley with modern retail, new employment and improved amenities. Farmfoods’ state-of-the-art 11,000 sq ft store features its newest format, while Greggs’ 1,500 sq ft unit, includes plans to launch Just Eat deliveries shortly. Both retail offerings have already proved popular with higher-than-forecast footfall. Together, the stores are expected to create dozens of jobs and retain everyday spending within the Irvine Valley rather than obliging residents to travel to Kilmarnock. In addition, the development will boost local contracting jobs in ongoing maintenance and landscaping work. The site’s eight E.ON ultra-rapid 300 kW EV charging bays also puts Galston firmly on the map since it is amongst only a handful of locations in Scotland with such levels and rapidity of charging capability. Drivers can charge from around 10% to 80% in under 20 minutes, creating a new “stop and shop” destination for electric vehicle users. More than 24,000 vehicles pass the site every day, with initial data showing a further increase in traffic since opening. Loudoun Retail Park has over 100 parking spaces, laid out to maximise accessibility including dedicated disabled, parent and child bays, and a separate zone for EV charging. Gareth said: “This is genuinely the most significant development for the Irvine Valley in thirty years, not only in terms of private sector investment, but in the impact it will have on jobs, confidence and the quality of life in our community. “Our aim from the outset was to bring proper amenities, modern retail and real economic activity back into the Valley, and it is already doing exactly that. “Historically, the Irvine Valley has been largely overlooked by national retailers, but this is now changing. The successful opening of Loudoun Retail Park demonstrates the strength of the local market and should act as a catalyst for further investment across the wider area. “It also opens the door for delivery platforms such as Just Eat to serve national retailers in the Valley properly for the first time, creating further local employment and economic activity. “Both Paul and I grew up here, so this is personal. We are grateful for the encouragement we have received from East Ayrshire Council and are extremely proud of what we have created and the positive difference it is already making. “We are already getting lots of interest in the remaining 3,000 sq ft of roadside retail space which can be split into two units, plus our new 2,500 sq ft modern two-storey office building with its own entrance and foyer, whose occupiers will benefit from free parking, on-site retail and the ultra-rapid EV chargers.” Paul said: “We wanted this to be a development that genuinely supports the local economy throughout its lifespan, from the contractors building it to the people working and shopping here. “Throughout the construction phase, the project employed a broad range of local contractors and suppliers, supporting jobs locally, and we aim to continue that theme. The early response from local people has been fantastic, and we’re only just getting started.” Gareth added: “This isn’t just about a retail park; it’s about the bigger picture. The jobs, footfall and amenities are important, but the real legacy will be the confidence it creates for further private investment across the Irvine Valley.” All retail and office enquiries are being handled by Stephen McParlane at McParlane Property. Loudoun Retail Park website: www.loudounretailpark.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Ikea has chosen The Boulevard in Banbridge for its first-ever outlet store in Northern Ireland, rounding off a landmark year of expansion for Ikea UK & Ireland. The 2,691 sq ft pop-up store, which will trade until spring 2026, is designed as a convenient hub for planning services, home furnishings and online order pick-ups. Customers can explore a curated selection of 150 home furnishing accessories across kitchen, bedroom and living spaces, with Ikea co-workers on hand to offer product advice and support with home projects. A key feature of the new outlet is its “Collect Near You” point, enabling shoppers to have online orders delivered to The Boulevard for easy collection. This service complements existing collection locations in Ballymena, Limavady and Dungannon, strengthening Ikea’s footprint across Northern Ireland and making it easier for customers to access the full range without travelling to a larger store. The Banbridge opening comes at the end of a busy 2025 for Ikea in the UK and Ireland, as the retailer continues to roll out smaller, more flexible formats closer to where people live and work. This year has seen the launch of a city store on London’s Oxford Street, new city and smaller-format stores in Brighton, Harlow, Norwich and Chester, as well as “Plan and Order” points in Dundee, Hull and York. Together, these locations form a key part of Ikea’s strategy to blend traditional out-of-town stores with compact formats, planning studios and collection points in high street and regional centres. Alastair Coulson, managing director at Lotus Property, owner of The Boulevard, said he was delighted to welcome Ikea’s first pop-up initiative in Northern Ireland. He described the arrival of the global home furnishings brand as a strong endorsement of The Boulevard’s growing reputation for attracting “first” and “only” locations, and a timely boost as the scheme gears up for the Christmas trading period. With the Banbridge outlet now open, Ikea is signalling its commitment to meeting customers where they are, using a mix of store formats and collection points to offer greater choice, convenience and flexibility across the UK and Ireland. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
British Land has officially launched Broadgate Central, the City of London’s newest retail, dining and leisure destination. Situated within the Broadgate Campus, the development provides 120,000 sq ft of space across the ground and lower ground floors of 1 Broadgate and 100 Liverpool Street. British Land confirmed that 90% of the retail and leisure space is already let or under offer. Recent signings include luxury florist Moyses Stevens, social entertainment venue Poolhouse, Salad Project, Irish-American freehouse The Horseman, Townhouse nail salon and Eton Shirts. They will trade alongside a line-up of fashion brands such as Moss, Mango, Luca Faloni, Hobbs and Whistles, together with beauty and lifestyle operators including Boots Fragrance, Molton Brown, Strip and Murdock London. The offer is further enhanced by food and drink brands Sandwich Sandwich, Sushinoya, Vagabond, NOTTO To Go, Läderach and Maison Ladurée. Kelly Cleveland, head of real estate and investment at British Land, said that Broadgate Central redefines the City’s retail and leisure offer by bringing together leading brands in a lively, accessible setting. She added that strong leasing progress across the wider campus – with only one office floor remaining available, rising footfall throughout the week and mid-week office utilisation now above pre-Covid levels – underlines the strength of British Land’s campus strategy and Broadgate’s enduring appeal. Tom Sleigh, chair of the City of London Corporation Planning and Transportation Committee, noted that major employers and brands are continuing to commit to the City, supported by high-quality public realm, retail and hospitality provided by schemes such as Broadgate Central. He highlighted a 7% increase in footfall into the City this financial year and said further growth is expected. Sleigh added that the City of London is much more than a business district, describing it as a destination offering world-class hospitality, culture, leisure and amenities that reflect how people live, work and connect today. With extensive green spaces, net zero ambitions and low-carbon developments, the Square Mile is placing sustainability and wellbeing at its heart. The broader Broadgate development now offers 289,000 sq ft of retail, hospitality and leisure space. New operators at Broadgate Central will sit alongside established names such as Eataly, Los Mochis London City, Everyman, Monica Vinader, Tommy Hilfiger and Space NK. Savills, CBRE and DCL advised British Land on the lettings. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
By Matthew Reed – Head of Asset Management (Retail Parks) at British Land What’s driving retail parks to outperform? It’s the combination of affordability, accessibility, and adaptability – a strategy that attracts leading brands, welcomes new formats, and keeps our parks thriving. When it comes to the future of retail, our Head of Retail Parks, Matt Reed, is clear: retail parks are winning. Backed by fresh leasing data and real-world insight, he reveals why these destinations are outpacing the competition – boasting high footfall, strong rental growth, and record-low vacancy. Accessibility, affordability, and adaptability are the three pillars pushing retail parks ahead. We’re seeing retailers gravitate to parks because they tick every box for today’s omni-channel world.” Why Are Retail Parks so accessible? Let’s start with location. Retail Parks tend to be strategically placed on major arterial roads, making them easy to access. It’s simple. People want convenience, and with free, abundant parking right outside the door retail parks play in to the consumers need for convenience But it’s not just about access. For example, at our retail park in Teesside, our centre team collaborated with the local bus operators to boost public transport links, ensuring everyone, including staff and shoppers, can access the park easily. It’s a win for everyone but especially for our customers bottom lines. Affordability drives growth Affordability is a major draw for retailers. Compared to high streets and shopping centres, total occupational costs at retail parks are highly competitive. This has attracted a diverse mix of tenants, especially in the wake of Brexit and COVID. As a result, this has opened the door for a wave of new retailers, from value food brands to innovative new retail formats eager to take advantage of the cost-effective space. As a result, we are seeing strong rental growth and exceptionally low vacancy rates across our portfolio – a clear sign the model is working. Are Retail Parks built for modern retailers? Adaptability is at the heart of a retail park. Our units are essentially blank canvases – big tin sheds we can cut, carve, and combine to suit any need. Need a click-and-collect hub? No problem. Want to launch a new format store. We can do it. We’ve seen a huge acceleration in omni-channel features from click-and-collect to return hubs and drive-to convenience. Retailers love it because it supports both in-store and online sales. Who’s leading the charge? Value food retailers like Aldi and Lidl have been the darlings of the market. Their presence drives regular footfall, which benefits every occupier on the park. It’s a halo effect – if someone’s coming for groceries, they’re likely to pop next door for fashion or homeware. But it’s not just food. We’ve repositioned units to attract everything from medical diagnostics centres to dentists and vets. At Crown Point, Denton, we combined two smaller units for InHealth to create a mini medical centre. That’s diversification in action, catering to a wider demographic. Asset management in retail property is unique – you get to shape real, tangible places and build lasting relationships. We work closely with our retailers all year round, understanding their needs. It’s a dynamic, social career where every project is a chance to make a visible, meaningful impact. That’s what makes it so rewarding.” How does smart leasing shape the future? Smart leasing is about more than just filling units. It’s about curating a vibrant, relevant mix that keeps our parks ahead of the curve. We’re always looking for ways to adapt spaces for new entrants, whether that means carving out smaller units for coffee shops and bakeries or combining spaces for larger occupiers. This flexibility ensures our parks stay dynamic and attractive to both retailers and the communities they serve. “At Denton, we turned a standard unit into a modern dental hub – so now, alongside brands like JD Sports and M&S, you’ll find essential services right on the park. That’s what sets retail parks apart: we’re creating places that are diverse, dynamic, and truly community focused.” At British Land, our strategy is clear: we’re setting the standard for modern retail by championing affordability, accessibility, and adaptability across our retail parks. By creating spaces that are easy to reach, cost-effective for retailers, and flexible enough to welcome new concepts, we are not just responding to change, we are helping drive it. Our approach ensures our parks remain vibrant, resilient, and ahead of the curve, delivering value for our occupiers, our communities and our investors. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Mayor of London has named seasoned retail and real estate executive Scott Parsons as his preferred choice to chair the board of the new Oxford Street Development Corporation, the body tasked with leading the transformation of the capital’s most famous shopping street. Parsons is currently chief executive of Lysara, a pan-European energy infrastructure platform focused on logistics and urban markets. He brings deep experience from some of the UK’s highest-profile retail and mixed-use destinations. Between 2019 and 2025 he served as UK chief operating officer at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, overseeing Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City and steering the portfolio through the pandemic. Before that, he spent 13 years at Landsec, where as head of property for London he managed a range of landmark assets, including holdings along Oxford Street from Park House in the west to Primark and the Dominion Theatre in the east. He is also a former non-executive director of the New West End Company. His proposed appointment follows a recruitment process launched in August and is subject to a confirmation hearing by the London Assembly. It comes as City Hall advances plans to establish a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) dedicated to the district, with the goal of creating a world-leading urban environment for shopping, leisure and outdoor events. The London Assembly gave its backing in July 2025 and the Mayor is now working with government to bring forward the necessary legislation for the MDC to be established by 1 January 2026. Sadiq Khan said the choice reflects a determination to “unlock Oxford Street’s true potential” and deliver a step-change in visitor experience and economic performance. Parsons welcomed the opportunity, describing the Oxford Street Transformation as a chance to put a global icon “back on the map” and signalling his intent to work closely with the Mayor, the corporation’s incoming chief executive and their teams. The development corporation is expected to coordinate public and private investment, guide design quality and public realm upgrades, and address long-standing challenges around tenant mix, vacancy, accessibility and activation. Early priorities are likely to include rebalancing retail with culture and hospitality, improving pedestrian space and wayfinding, and supporting a shift towards more sustainable, experience-led uses. If approved, Parsons’ appointment would bring high-level operational expertise to the helm just as the governance framework is finalised—setting the stage for a comprehensive reset of Oxford Street’s offer for Londoners, visitors and businesses alike. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Salford City Council has approved the £1.3bn transformation of Regent Retail Park into a vibrant green mixed-use neighbourhood, marking one of the city’s most ambitious regeneration schemes to date. The project, led by Henley Investment Management, will create a new urban quarter known as Regent Park, combining homes, retail, community facilities, and public open spaces. Designed by Matt Brook Architects, the approved masterplan will be delivered in two phases across 10 new buildings. It will retain a significant retail presence while repurposing the 130,000 sq ft site into a modern retail, residential and community destination. Around 15 new retail units will be created, totalling approximately 86,000 sq ft, while the residential element will deliver up to 3,300 homes of varying sizes and tenures, including 660 affordable properties. Ian Rickwood, chief executive of Henley Investment Management, said: “Our approved scheme for Regent Park will deliver a new green and sustainable neighbourhood, a renewed local centre for Salford. Our plans recognise the importance of retail and services for the community, retaining significant enhanced provision that will cater to the needs of local people, while delivering much-needed high-quality homes, including a significant proportion of affordable homes, a new park, a village square and community forum. We look forward to continuing to work with Salford City Council, stakeholders and the local community to deliver our vision.” At the heart of the scheme will be five acres of new public open space, including West Union Park — a 3.5-acre green area featuring children’s play facilities and a village square designed to host community events and pop-up markets. Sustainability is a defining feature of the plans. Residents will have access to 1,000 cycle parking spaces but only 600 car parking bays, encouraging low-carbon travel. The development aims to create a more walkable, connected and inclusive neighbourhood, balancing new housing growth with accessible retail, leisure and community facilities. Once complete, Regent Park is expected to become a benchmark for urban regeneration in Greater Manchester, delivering long-term social, economic and environmental value for Salford and its growing population. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Aldi is stepping up its growth plans ahead of the festive season, confirming it will open 16 new supermarkets by 12 December. The programme forms part of a £650m investment in its UK estate during 2025 and sits within a wider £1.6bn commitment over the next two years, as the grocer targets around 40 new stores annually. The latest openings will extend Aldi’s reach into busy urban locations and growing commuter towns, bringing more shoppers within easy reach of the discounter’s low-price offer.New stores are planned for: Location Area / Street Philadelphia Tyne and Wear Liverpool Pendle Drive Market Rasen Gallamore Lane Kirkintilloch McGavigans Road (Scotland) Billericay Queens Park Avenue London Kentish Town Arbroath Dundee Road Cheadle The Green Baillieston Boghall Road Hove Old Shoreham Road Pershore Pershore Market Gloucestershire Riverside Retail Park Northallerton North Yorkshire Uxbridge Harefield Road Daventry Northamptonshire London Old Kent Road The roll-out continues Aldi’s strategy of adding capacity where demand is strongest, with a blend of high-street, retail park and neighbourhood sites. The investment will also support local employment and supply chains in the run-up to Christmas, traditionally the busiest period for the sector. Jonathan Neale, managing director of national real estate at Aldi, said: “At Aldi, we’re focused on making affordable, high-quality food accessible to as many people as possible – and opening new stores is at the heart of how we do that. Launching 16 new stores in just over five weeks is a significant milestone for our business and a clear demonstration of the pace and ambition behind our growth plans. It means more communities will benefit from Aldi’s value and choice in the weeks ahead and beyond.” With grocery price sensitivity still front of mind for many households, Aldi’s expansion underscores the competitive pressure on the UK’s food retailers. The imminent openings will give the chain a broader national footprint as it prepares for the key Christmas trading period and positions the business for sustained growth into 2026. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Places for London, Transport for London’s property company, has added a prominent Brixton retail block to its growing portfolio as it continues to invest in income-generating assets across the capital. The properties, at 421–457 Brixton Road, sit directly adjacent to Brixton Underground Station and include a parade of well-known high street brands. Current tenants include HSBC, Five Guys, Sainsbury’s and Argos, with the acquisition also taking in an associated service yard to the rear. Places for London said the deal supports its strategy to unlock long-term revenue streams that can be reinvested back into London’s transport network. By owning and managing well-located commercial assets, the company aims to generate sustainable income while helping to maintain vibrant, accessible high streets. The Brixton purchase is the organisation’s third major retail acquisition in recent years, following previous deals for Buck Street Market in Camden and 19–33 Liverpool Street in the City. Together, these assets form part of a broader programme to make better use of TfL’s estate, support local economies and deliver value for Londoners. TW Keil acted on behalf of the vendor, while Green & Partners advised Places for London on the transaction. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The new “best-in-class” store sees the retail footprint increased by over 35%, with investment in new Beauty Studios, luxury fragrance counters, a nurse clinic, and an enhanced pharmacy. Superdrug, the UK’s leading health and beauty retailer, has completed the expansion of its popular store in Overgate, Dundee, increasing the footprint by over 35% from 7,125 sq. ft to 9,739 sq. ft. Having taken over the occupancy of the adjacent former Clintons store, which has relocated in Overgate, Superdrug has created a significantly enhanced ground floor presence, and one which now forms a prime corner position. The new store is a combination of the existing and the new site. The expansion brings Overgate customers a range of new offerings including: Commenting on the Superdrug expansion, Malcolm Angus, Centre Manager, Overgate says: “We are delighted to announce the Superdrug expansion is officially complete with the new store now offering a significantly elevated shopping experience for our customers. The introduction of new Beauty Studios, each offering a range of popular and affordable beauty treatments, is an exciting development, and the enhancement of Superdrug’s pharmacy with a new face-to-face private nurse clinic brings a welcome personalised healthcare service. “This commitment by Superdrug is a resounding vote of confidence in Overgate, and the future of bricks-and-mortar retail in the centre. There is no doubt this new store will prove highly popular with our customers.” Clare Jennings, Property Director at Superdrug, added: “This store extension in Overgate, Dundee is a significant milestone in expanding Superdrug’s presence locally, allowing us to offer an even broader selection of products and services to our valued customers. By upgrading the store, we’re now able to offer a more modern shopping experience – featuring top health and beauty brands, a premium fragrance section, and our in-store Beauty Studio. This new extension allows us to support local employment in Overgate and the surrounding communities.” The Overgate expansion is part of Superdrug’s major nationwide investment to modernise, refurbish and extend 65 of its strongest performing stores this year (2025), creating a “best-in-class” retail experience for customers. Furthermore, there is a focus on ensuring the site is as sustainable and energy efficient as possible, driven by Superdrug’s successful Planet, People and Products store scheme. The commitment by Superdrug to expand its Overgate store is the latest positive development for the centre following the recent opening of FRASERS in June, 2025. Frasers Group acquired Overgate Shopping Centre in 2023, underlining its confidence in the enduring power of bricks-and-mortar retail. Visit Overgate Shopping Centre at Overgate, Dundee, DD1 1UQ. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
High street favourite Bodycare is preparing for a major return, with plans to open up to 50 new stores across the UK following its recent acquisition by Charles Denton, the former chief executive of The Body Shop. The beauty and personal care retailer, which went into administration last month, was forced to close all of its remaining stores after years of trading challenges. Now, a new chapter is about to begin as Denton looks to revive the much-loved brand and bring it back to high streets – starting with a first wave of re-openings scheduled for early 2026. The relaunch will initially focus on the north west of England, where Bodycare has historically enjoyed a strong following. Between 30 and 50 new stores are planned, though each opening will depend on landlord approval. Charles Denton, who has a strong background in retail transformation, expressed his confidence in the brand’s potential to make a successful comeback. He said: “Bodycare is much-loved and trusted – it matters deeply to the communities it serves. We now have the mandate to bring stores and jobs back by transforming Bodycare’s rich legacy into a modern, scalable and profitable business.” Founded in 1970, Bodycare built its reputation by offering affordable health and beauty products to shoppers across the UK, particularly in town centres and retail parks. Its straightforward approach and value-driven offering made it a household name, especially in the north of England. The new ownership aims to retain Bodycare’s community-focused ethos while modernising the brand for today’s retail landscape. This will likely include refreshed store designs, updated product ranges and an improved digital presence to better connect with contemporary shoppers. Nick Holloway, managing director at Interpath and joint administrator, welcomed the acquisition, commenting: “We are pleased to hand Bodycare to an experienced new owner with a clear plan to restart operations. We wish the business every success in the future.” With its new direction, strong leadership and focus on both legacy and innovation, Bodycare looks poised to re-establish itself as a key player in the UK beauty retail scene – proving that even the most embattled high street brands can find a way back to life. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals