Aldi is accelerating its UK supermarket expansion with plans to open seven new stores during November 2026, forming part of a wider £370 million investment programme aimed at strengthening its retail property portfolio and bringing new shopping facilities to communities across the country. The latest openings represent another significant step in the discount supermarket chain’s long-term growth strategy, which includes an ambition to operate 1,500 stores nationwide. The investment reflects Aldi’s continued confidence in physical retail development, with new supermarket construction, property acquisitions and store fit-outs playing an important role in supporting the retailer’s expansion. The seven new supermarkets will open in Basildon, Essex; Newport on the Isle of Wight; Matlock, Derbyshire; Stepney Green and Willesden in London; Orrell, Wigan; and Waterlooville, Hampshire. The geographical spread of the openings demonstrates Aldi’s strategy of expanding into both established residential communities and urban locations, increasing access to its supermarket offering across different regions of the UK. Major Investment in New Retail Developments The November openings form part of Aldi’s wider £370 million investment programme, which is supporting the continued growth of its UK store network. The retailer previously announced plans to open 80 new supermarkets over a two-year period, underlining its commitment to expanding its physical retail presence. This programme has already gathered momentum, with Aldi opening an average of one new store every week during September. For the construction and commercial property sectors, Aldi’s ongoing expansion represents a significant pipeline of retail development opportunities, supporting demand for supermarket construction, refurbishment, specialist fit-out services and associated building infrastructure. New supermarket developments typically involve a range of specialist construction disciplines, including structural works, mechanical and electrical installations, refrigeration systems, lighting, external works and car parking infrastructure. The continued rollout of new stores also highlights the importance of suitable development sites and the role of commercial property teams in identifying locations capable of supporting long-term retail operations. Supporting Local Communities and Employment Alongside expanding Aldi’s retail estate, the seven new supermarkets are expected to create hundreds of employment opportunities across their respective communities. The openings will also provide additional shopping facilities for residents, strengthening local retail provision and increasing consumer choice. Jonathan Neale, Managing Director of National Real Estate at Aldi, highlighted the importance of continued investment in new store locations. “Demand for new Aldi stores remains strong, and we want more shoppers to be able to enjoy our high-quality products at low prices,” he said. “Opening seven stores in November is another big step in our growth plans. It will create hundreds of local jobs and bring Aldi’s value to thousands more shoppers across the country.” The retailer’s expansion strategy is focused on identifying locations where new supermarkets can meet established demand while supporting the long-term growth of its customer base. For local communities, supermarket developments can provide important investment in retail infrastructure, helping to improve access to everyday shopping facilities and supporting employment opportunities. Continued Growth Across the UK Retail Property Market Aldi’s latest announcement comes as major supermarket operators continue investing in their physical estates, recognising the importance of modern retail environments alongside the development of online and digital services. The discount retailer’s long-term target of 1,500 UK stores demonstrates the scale of its property ambitions and the potential for further investment in new supermarket developments. The expansion is also significant for the wider retail construction sector, where supermarket operators remain important clients for contractors, architects, engineering consultancies and specialist building services providers. As Aldi continues to grow its store network, the delivery of efficient, well-located retail buildings will remain central to its development strategy. The November openings will add seven further locations to the company’s expanding portfolio, following a sustained period of investment and new store delivery throughout 2026. With its £370 million investment programme supporting continued development and a long-term ambition to reach 1,500 stores, Aldi is reinforcing its position as a major investor in the UK’s retail property sector. The latest openings demonstrate the retailer’s commitment to expanding its supermarket estate, creating employment opportunities and delivering new retail facilities for communities across the country. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Waitrose has opened its first new full-line supermarket in eight years, marking a significant milestone in the retailer’s £1 billion investment programme to expand and modernise its UK store portfolio. The opening of an 18,000 sq ft supermarket in Cricklewood, North London, signals a renewed commitment to physical retail investment, with further store openings, new site acquisitions and an extensive refurbishment programme planned across the country. The new Cricklewood supermarket, operating under the retailer’s ‘Home of Food Lovers’ concept, represents Waitrose’s first newly opened full-line supermarket since 2018 and forms part of a wider strategy to strengthen its presence in established and emerging residential communities. The investment comes as major UK retailers continue to reassess their property portfolios, focusing on modern store environments, improved customer experiences and locations that can support long-term growth. New Supermarkets and Convenience Stores Planned Across the UK Following the Cricklewood opening, Waitrose is preparing to launch another supermarket in Hale Barns, Greater Manchester, in November 2026. The retailer has also confirmed the acquisition of four additional sites, with new stores expected to open from 2027 onwards. These include a neighbourhood supermarket in Oakham, Rutland, alongside three convenience stores in Bedminster, Bristol; Chalk Farm, London; and Springstead Village, Cambridge. The latest acquisitions demonstrate Waitrose’s approach to expanding its retail estate through a combination of larger supermarkets, neighbourhood stores and smaller convenience formats. This strategy will enable the retailer to establish a presence in different types of locations, from established urban centres to growing residential developments. For the commercial property and construction sectors, the expansion represents a pipeline of retail development opportunities, with new stores requiring investment in building design, interior fit-out, mechanical and electrical installations, refrigeration, building services and associated infrastructure. £1bn Investment Programme Driving Store Modernisation The new openings form part of Waitrose’s £1 billion multi-year investment strategy, which encompasses the expansion of its physical retail estate, improvements to existing supermarkets and continued development of its online and wholesale operations. A substantial element of the programme is focused on upgrading established stores to meet changing customer expectations and improve the overall shopping environment. Waitrose is undertaking 29 store refurbishments during 2026, highlighting the importance of reinvesting in existing retail property alongside new developments. These refurbishment projects represent a significant programme of work across the retailer’s estate, supporting the continued evolution of supermarket interiors, store layouts and customer facilities. The investment reflects the wider transformation of the UK grocery sector, where retailers are increasingly combining physical store improvements with digital services and more flexible shopping formats. Tina Mitchell, Retail Director at Waitrose, highlighted the importance of the supermarket estate to the company’s future growth. “Our supermarkets provide the ultimate showcase for everything that sets Waitrose apart – from our unmatched quality and industry-leading welfare standards to the expert service of our partners,” she said. “Opening Cricklewood as our first new full-line supermarket in eight years marks an important step in bringing Waitrose closer to more communities.” Mitchell added that the retailer would continue investing in appropriate locations while developing its online offering and wider store network. Further Retail Developments in Bristol and Berkshire Alongside the newly acquired locations, Waitrose is progressing plans for two previously announced developments. These include a new convenience store in Ascot, Berkshire, and a substantial 30,000 sq ft supermarket at Brabazon in Bristol. The Brabazon development is particularly significant from a property perspective, reflecting the role that major food retailers can play in supporting emerging residential neighbourhoods and large-scale regeneration projects. New supermarkets can provide important commercial anchors within mixed-use developments, helping establish local amenities, attract additional investment and create employment opportunities as new communities grow. The proposed Brabazon store will also add to Waitrose’s presence in Bristol, where the retailer has separately acquired a site for its new Bedminster convenience store. Together, the projects demonstrate how supermarket operators are adapting their property strategies to serve both established communities and areas undergoing residential expansion. Renewed Confidence in Physical Retail Investment Waitrose’s latest expansion marks a notable return to new supermarket development after an eight-year period without a full-line opening. The combination of new-build stores, acquired locations and refurbishment projects also highlights the continued importance of high-quality physical retail environments, despite the growth of online grocery shopping. For developers, architects, contractors and specialist fit-out companies, investment programmes of this scale underline the opportunities associated with modernising the UK’s supermarket infrastructure. Retail developments increasingly require adaptable building layouts, efficient operational facilities and carefully considered customer environments, alongside the integration of modern building services and technology. Waitrose’s strategy also demonstrates the importance of selecting locations that align with changing residential patterns and the growth of new communities. With the Cricklewood supermarket now open, Hale Barns scheduled to follow in November and further locations planned from 2027, the retailer is entering a new phase of investment in its UK property portfolio. Supported by its £1 billion expansion and modernisation programme, Waitrose is positioning its physical store network as a central element of its future growth, bringing new retail facilities to communities while creating further opportunities for the UK construction, commercial property and retail fit-out sectors. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

One of Britain’s best-known high street retailers is entering a new chapter following the announcement of a £6.7 billion takeover of Boots by Canada’s billionaire Weston family, bringing the prospect of renewed investment across its extensive UK and Ireland retail estate. The $8.9 billion (£6.7 billion) acquisition, being undertaken through the family’s holding company Wittington Investments, will see Boots move into long-term private ownership, with plans to strengthen the business through further capital investment and a renewed focus on its retail operations. The transaction includes Boots’ UK and Ireland businesses, Boots Opticians, No7 Beauty Company, its Thailand operations and international franchised businesses. Completion is expected in early 2027. For the UK retail property sector, the deal represents a significant change in ownership for a business operating approximately 1,800 stores nationwide, with a substantial presence across traditional high streets, shopping centres and retail destinations. The acquisition also raises the prospect of future investment in Boots’ physical retail estate, including potential store modernisation, refurbishment and improvements to customer-facing facilities, although specific property investment programmes have yet to be announced. Galen Weston, Chair of Wittington Investments, will become Chair of Boots following the acquisition. Commenting on the transaction, Weston said: “We see a meaningful opportunity to make a great business even better through stable long-term ownership, further capital investment, and the renewed operating focus required to serve customers with excellence for generations to come.” The Weston family brings considerable international retail experience to the acquisition, with interests including Canadian grocery giant Loblaw Companies and pharmacy retailer Shoppers Drug Mart. The family also has a long association with British retail property, having previously owned the landmark Selfridges department store business between 2003 and 2021. A separate UK branch of the Weston family is also the majority shareholder in Associated British Foods, the parent company of Primark, one of the UK’s largest fashion retailers. Boots is being acquired from US private equity firm Sycamore Partners and the Pessina family, with Sycamore having held its investment for approximately 18 months. The change in ownership comes at a time when major retailers continue to reassess their physical store portfolios, balancing the growth of digital commerce with investment in modern retail environments, customer experience and the long-term performance of their property assets. For a business with Boots’ extensive national presence, the management and development of its retail estate will remain an important part of its operational strategy. Its network encompasses a broad range of property formats, from smaller town centre pharmacies to larger retail stores incorporating beauty, healthcare, optical and other customer services. The scale of the portfolio also creates opportunities for the wider built environment supply chain, including retail fit-out specialists, building services contractors, facilities management providers, property consultants and refurbishment contractors, should the new owners pursue an expanded programme of investment. Founded in Nottingham in 1849 by John Boot, who opened a herbalist store offering more affordable alternatives to traditional medicines, Boots has developed into one of the most recognisable names in British retail. The company’s latest annual results reported sales of £7.5 billion, representing year-on-year growth of 3.2%, demonstrating the continuing scale of its operations across the UK market. With the takeover expected to complete in early 2027, attention will now turn to the new owners’ long-term strategy and how further capital investment could shape the future of Boots’ retail estate. For Britain’s high streets and shopping centres, the commitment to long-term ownership of such an established retailer offers an encouraging signal for the continued importance of physical stores within the evolving retail landscape. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Superdrug has reopened its largest store in the UK following a major refurbishment and expansion at Merry Hill in the West Midlands, strengthening the shopping destination’s growing health, beauty and wellbeing offer. The newly refurbished store now extends to 12,831 sq ft, providing Superdrug with substantially more space to showcase its expanding portfolio of beauty, skincare, fragrance, health and wellbeing products. The investment has enabled the retailer to introduce a wider selection of international and trending beauty brands, alongside an enlarged premium fragrance collection and Superdrug’s established own-brand ranges. A dedicated Beauty Studio also forms part of the upgraded store, adding a service-led element to the retail environment and reflecting the wider shift towards more experiential formats within major shopping centres. The Merry Hill investment comes as Superdrug continues to expand its physical store estate, with plans to open 30 new locations across the UK during the year. For the retail property sector, the decision to create Superdrug’s largest UK store at Merry Hill provides further evidence of major retailers investing in larger, higher-quality stores at established regional shopping destinations. The refurbishment also follows continued investment in Merry Hill as landlord Redical seeks to evolve the centre’s occupier mix and reinforce its position as one of the West Midlands’ major retail and leisure destinations. Clare Jennings, property director at Superdrug, said: “We’re delighted to be opening the doors to our newly refurbished store at Merry Hill, which is now the largest store in our estate. “The 12,831 sq ft store brings together everything customers love about Superdrug, from great value across health, beauty and wellbeing to the latest international beauty trends and much-loved own-brand favourites.” Jennings added that the expanded format would allow customers to explore the dedicated Beauty Studio, a larger premium fragrance collection and the latest beauty and skincare ranges. The project reflects a broader evolution taking place across the physical retail sector, where refurbishment and store expansion are increasingly focused on creating environments that offer customers more than a conventional transactional shopping experience. Larger stores provide retailers with greater flexibility to introduce services, dedicated brand areas, new product categories and improved layouts, while landlords benefit from investment by major occupiers that can help strengthen footfall and the overall appeal of their destinations. Alistair Winning, leasing manager for Redical, described the reopening as an important milestone for Merry Hill and said the expanded store reinforced the centre’s position as a leading destination for health, beauty and wellness. He added that the arrival of Superdrug’s largest UK location demonstrated both the continued evolution of Merry Hill and its appeal to leading national retailers. The investment comes at a time of renewed activity within the strongest regional shopping centres, with retailers increasingly concentrating resources on prominent locations capable of accommodating larger and more engaging store concepts. For Merry Hill, the 12,831 sq ft Superdrug provides another substantial upgrade to its retail offer, while for Superdrug the refurbished flagship represents a significant statement of confidence in its bricks-and-mortar estate as it continues its wider UK expansion programme. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Landsec has exchanged contracts to acquire 100% ownership of Metrocentre in Gateshead for £516 million, securing control of one of the UK’s largest shopping and leisure destinations as it steps up investment in major retail assets. The landmark transaction will add approximately 1.86 million sq ft of lettable floorspace to Landsec’s portfolio, with Metrocentre currently home to 282 stores and generating annual retail sales of around £650 million. The acquisition also includes the neighbouring retail park, providing a further 200,000 sq ft of retail accommodation across 15 units and creating a substantial combined property holding in one of the North East’s most established commercial locations. Metrocentre is currently 95% occupied, with an average lease term of 4.5 years to expiry. Its extensive occupier line-up includes Apple, Sephora, Zara, Marks & Spencer, Bershka, Stradivarius, Next, Lego, Primark, JD Sports and Lefties. For Landsec, the £516 million purchase represents a significant step in its strategy to invest a further £1 billion in major retail destinations. The property group believes the strongest shopping centres are benefiting from a continued shift among leading brands towards fewer but larger and higher-quality stores in locations capable of attracting substantial customer numbers. Mark Allan, chief executive officer of Landsec, described Metrocentre as a rare opportunity to take full control of a top-10 UK shopping centre, highlighting its scale, catchment and attractiveness to major retailers. He said: “Growing our investment in major retail destinations remains our highest conviction call, given the high income yields and attractive income growth on offer for the right assets.” The acquisition comes against a backdrop of strengthening performance across Landsec’s existing retail portfolio. Lettings completed during the five months to 31 August 2026 have been ahead of estimated rental value, while relettings and renewals have also achieved increases against previous passing rents. Landsec continues to anticipate like-for-like net rental income growth of approximately 3% to 5% for the financial year ending 31 March 2027. From a property and built environment perspective, taking full ownership of Metrocentre also gives Landsec greater control over the long-term management, investment and evolution of the destination. As consumer habits continue to reshape the retail property market, major shopping centres are increasingly being repositioned as broader destinations combining retail with food, leisure, entertainment and enhanced customer experiences. Control of large sites can provide landlords with greater flexibility to invest in buildings, public spaces, occupier requirements and future redevelopment opportunities. Landsec said retail sales across its existing major retail platform have increased by 26% since March 2022, compared with 1% across the average UK market, while occupancy across its major retail portfolio has reached a two-decade high. The Metrocentre transaction is expected to be funded through a combination of an equity issue and Landsec’s existing debt facilities. CBRE advised Landsec on the acquisition, while Knight Frank acted for the vendor. The £516 million deal provides another major vote of confidence in the future of the UK’s strongest physical retail destinations, with Metrocentre now set to become a significant part of Landsec’s expanding retail property portfolio. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

centre:mk today affirms its position as one of the UK’s top 10 prime regional destinations, as it announces that the high-street fashion giant, River Island, has chosen the centre to debut its newest store concept. The new 12,800 sq ft store, which spans over two floors, welcomes a major transformation designed to deliver a more elevated, engaging and customer-centric shopping experience. The brand’s reinvestment in centre:mk unveils the first of its kind, a new store concept which will be rolled out across the River Island brand. It features an enhanced exterior, designed to attract and engage guests, whilst internally, it homes the brand new “River-Runway” installation, an immersive visual feature that exhibits runway-inspired looks and the latest trends, in addition to a new denim department that showcases an expanded selection of silhouettes and washes. To encourage an elevated and seamless shopping journey, the new centre:mk store brings modernised, spacious fitting rooms for a premium experience, whilst a thoughtfully designed layout and debut technology aim to further enhance the customer journey for a quick and convenient trip. The technology includes weight-sensing self-service checkouts which use radio frequency identification technology, and WW Smart Fitting Rooms, whereby guests can request alternative sizes and products without leaving the fitting room cubicle. The result is an even more seamless and accessible shopping experience. Kevin Duffy, Centre Director at centre:mk, comments: “The debut of River Island’s new concept store at centre:mk brings something fresh to the destination’s existing quality line up of fashion retailers. Our wide catchment values quality concepts, and we’re delighted that centre:mk can be the first to bring this new concept to market. It really affirms the scheme’s position as a best-in-retail destination” Mel Aucott, Retail Director at River Island, adds:  “Debuting our new store concept to centre:mk represents an important step change in River Island’s bricks-and-mortar presence. The top 10 prime regional destination offers a wealth of quality fashion retailers, a highly engaged and loyal customer base and clear ambition to deliver quality experiences, all of which perfectly mirror River Island’s approach and new store concept. We are excited to reveal our enhanced store offering to our customers and look forward to expanding this vision further.” The major reinvestment from River Island comes shortly after the premium Swiss chocolatier, Lindt, signed for a 1,670 sq ft unit on Silbury Arcade, bringing its boutique format and exclusive ranges to centre:mk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Traditional bricks-and-mortar shopping continues to hold strong appeal for customers despite the continued growth of online retail, with retail parks emerging as an increasingly attractive destination for both retailers and consumers. With online retail having plateaued at just over 28% of UK retail sales, below its pandemic peak, physical stores remain firmly at the heart of how customers choose to spend their money. The question is no longer whether physical retail will survive, but how retailers and landlords are allocating space across different formats. Michaela Walker, a commercial property solicitor at national law firm Clarke Willmott, said: “The retail landscape has changed significantly, but reports of the death of physical retail have been greatly exaggerated. What we are seeing is a more nuanced evolution in the way retailers use physical space, with retail parks increasingly forming an important part of that picture. “Retail parks offer a combination of accessibility, convenience and flexibility that is particularly well suited to the way consumers shop today. For retailers, they can also provide larger units, easier access and opportunities to integrate traditional retail with click-and-collect, returns and other elements of an increasingly omnichannel customer journey.” The strength of demand for retail park space is reflected in current market data. British Land, one of the UK’s largest retail park owners, reports 99% occupancy across its 1,200-unit portfolio. Savills puts available floorspace across UK retail parks at just 1.8%, with 91% of existing occupiers choosing to renew rather than relocate. CBRE reported in 2025 that retail parks had the lowest vacancy rate of any major retail property sub-sector, alongside the strongest five-year rental growth across UK retail as a whole. Savills’ Johnny Rowland has described this as “a structural imbalance between supply and demand”, creating a “highly competitive environment, particularly for well-located schemes”. The shortage of space reflects a combination of limited land availability, high construction costs and challenging development appraisals, alongside the wider covenant strength of the sector. The profile of retailers occupying retail parks is also changing. The traditional image of retail parks as the preserve of DIY, furniture and automotive retailers no longer tells the full story. Food, fashion, homewares, leisure and value retailers are all expanding their presence in these locations. Home Bargains was the fastest-growing retail park tenant of 2025 according to Knight Frank, with 265 units. Aldi and Lidl now each operate more than 100 retail park sites, while Next, M&S and Skechers have pursued out-of-town strategies alongside their city-centre presence. This reflects what Savills describes as a more holistic approach to expansion, recognising the complementary role different retail formats can play in reaching different customer catchments. Michaela Walker said: “Retailers are increasingly looking at their estates as a portfolio rather than making an either-or choice between the high street, shopping centres and retail parks. Each format serves a different purpose, and the strongest strategies are often those that recognise how those locations can work together. “The appeal of retail parks is particularly clear for retailers whose customers value convenience. Easy road access, free parking and the ability to combine several shopping trips in one visit can be powerful advantages. At the same time, larger units can give retailers greater flexibility over how they operate their stores and integrate physical retail with their online offer.” The growth of retail parks should not, however, be interpreted as a story of high streets and shopping centres losing out. Strong demand for retail park space sits within a broader retail property market that continues to evolve across all formats. High streets, shopping centres and retail parks each serve distinct purposes within the customer journey, and retailers are increasingly using a combination of locations to reach different audiences. Michaela Walker said: “This isn’t the death of the high street. It is about retailers understanding where different types of physical space work best for their particular business and customers. “Retail parks are clearly experiencing strong demand at the moment, but that exists alongside continuing investment in town and city centres and shopping centres. The important point for retailers is to have a clear location strategy and to understand what each part of their estate is intended to achieve.” For retailers looking to expand, the strength of demand means that waiting for a suitable retail park unit to appear on the open market may no longer be an effective strategy. Space is often being absorbed before it becomes widely available, making early engagement with landlords and agents increasingly important. For developers, the supply gap presents an opportunity, although the planning process and development economics remain significant challenges, with applications taking nearly two years in some cases. Across the market, the 2026 business rates revaluation is also reshaping the cost equation for retailers operating across different formats, adding another factor to decisions around location and estate strategy. Michaela Walker said: “For occupiers, the message is to think ahead. If a retail park is an important part of your expansion strategy, it is worth engaging early rather than waiting for a unit to become publicly available. “Businesses also need to consider the wider costs of occupation, including rent, business rates and fit-out, alongside the operational benefits that a particular location can offer. With supply constrained and competition for good-quality space high, having a clear strategy can make a significant difference.” The next phase of physical retail is therefore likely to be less about choosing between physical and online channels and more about how retailers use physical space most effectively. For some, that will mean investing in flagship stores in town and city centres. For others, it will mean larger, more accessible and operationally efficient stores on retail parks. Michaela Walker concluded: “Physical retail remains incredibly relevant. What is changing is the role that individual stores and locations play within a retailer’s wider business. “The combination of retail parks, shopping centres and high streets is helping physical shopping remain vibrant and relevant. Retailers that understand how those different formats complement one another will be best placed to make

Aldi is stepping up investment across its UK property estate with plans to refurbish 25 supermarkets this year as part of a wider £300 million programme of store improvements. The investment will see the discount supermarket group upgrade existing locations across England and Scotland, with work focused on improving the customer experience while introducing more efficient and sustainable building technologies. Depending on the individual store, improvements will include the refurbishment and expansion of key departments such as bakery, health and beauty and fresh food. The programme is designed to create additional space and make stores easier for customers to navigate. Sustainability will also play a role in the refurbishment programme. Selected locations are set to receive energy-efficient fridge doors and refrigeration systems using natural refrigerants, supporting efforts to reduce energy consumption and improve the environmental performance of Aldi’s existing estate. For the retail construction and fit-out sector, the programme represents a significant pipeline of refurbishment activity across a geographically diverse portfolio. Upgrading operational supermarkets can require carefully phased construction, M&E, refrigeration, shopfitting and finishing works to minimise disruption while delivering improvements to existing buildings. Jonathan Neale, managing director of national real estate at Aldi UK, said: “We’re continuing to invest in our existing stores because we know how important the in-store experience is to customers. “These upgrades will create more space, improve key areas of our stores and make them easier to shop. It’s an important part of how we’re investing in the communities we serve.” The £300 million commitment highlights the continuing importance of existing-store investment alongside new supermarket development. For major retailers with substantial property portfolios, refurbishment provides an opportunity to modernise customer-facing areas while improving energy efficiency and adapting stores to changing operational requirements. With 25 locations earmarked for work this year, Aldi’s programme will bring investment to stores from Aberdeen and Stirling to Manchester, Liverpool, London and Bedford. Aldi stores set for refurbishment • Arndale, Manchester• Barnsley Road, Doncaster• Batley Road, Wakefield• Brackley Court, Blaby• Bridgnorth Road, Wollaston• Brooks Road, Lewes• Chapel Street, Belper• Cornhill Shopping Arcade, Aberdeen• Crown Road, Enfield• Falkirk Road, Linlithgow• Grooms Alley, Wellington• Holyhead Road, Telford• Holloway Road, Archway• Knollside Close, Sunderland• London Road, Blackwater• Moreland Avenue, Billingham• Old Beck Road, Harrogate• Printers Place, Paisley• Ringtail Retail Park, Burscough• Rockingham Road, Corby• Sandbach Road, Congleton• Springbank Road, Stirling• St. John Centre, Liverpool• Stratford Road, Hall Green• Westville Road, Bedford Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Harlequin Watford, Hertfordshire’s leading retail and leisure destination, owned and operated by SGS UK Retail, has announced that Superdrug has committed to a significant upsize that will expand the space by over a third. The upsize follows consistently strong performance at the centre and is a significant vote of confidence in the destination. Due to expand into the adjacent retail space, the new Superdrug store will span 11,503 sq ft, a 37% increase from its previous 8,400 sq ft space. The upsize will grant a wider range of cosmetics, skincare, healthcare, fragrances, and wellness products, enabling the brand to meet the high customer demand at the centre. At the heart of a wide catchment made up of Watford residents, North Londoners, and office workers, Harlequin remains a hub for everyday essentials, and this major investment reflects the prime positioning the centre offers nationally leading retailers. The centre has welcomed £16.7 million worth of tenant enhancement over the last 24 months, including a 154% upsize from Goldsmiths in this same month, showcasing huge momentum for the destination and signalling both the success of existing tenants and the destination’s growing value, as brands continue to reaffirm their position.  Robert Jewell, Managing Director of Asset Management at Pradera, commented: “Harlequin is a prime example of active, intelligent leasing done right, where occupiers welcome success and visitors feel understood. Superdrug’s recommitment demonstrates why brands continue to find the centre an attractive prospect worth investing in, and the expanded space will work to serve the needs of the far-reaching catchment.” Clare Jennings, Property Director at Superdrug: “We’re excited to be extending the store in Harlequin Watford. This investment reflects our continued commitment to bricks-and-mortar retail and allows us to bring an enhanced range of health and beauty products and services to local customers. The new store will feature leading brands, fragrance offerings and our Beauty Studio which provides a range of beauty treatments and piercing services. It will also create new jobs, further supporting the local community.” Time Retail and LM are Harlequin’s retail leasing agents, and Metis and LM lead the leisure leasing. Pradera asset manages Harlequin on behalf of SGS UK Retail.  Simon Horner at GCW acted on behalf of Superdrug. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Landsec is reportedly emerging as the frontrunner to acquire Gateshead’s Metrocentre in a deal that could value one of Europe’s largest shopping centres at more than £500 million. The FTSE 100-listed real estate investment trust is understood to be leading the race for the landmark North East retail destination, ahead of other interested parties including Frasers Group and Hammerson. Metrocentre was brought to market in June by the Metrocentre Partnership, which includes the Church Commissioners and Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund, with an asking price of around £500 million. However, Landsec could reportedly pay significantly above that figure to secure the asset, potentially requiring the property group to raise additional funding from shareholders to complete the acquisition. Spanning approximately two million sq ft, Metrocentre is one of the UK’s most significant regional shopping and leisure destinations and one of the largest shopping centres in Europe. Its extensive retail offer includes major occupiers such as Marks & Spencer, Primark, Zara, JD Sports and Urban Outfitters, while recent additions including Hollister, Lovisa and KENJI have continued to strengthen the centre’s tenant mix. A successful acquisition would represent another major investment by Landsec in large-scale destination retail and further expand its exposure to some of the UK’s most prominent shopping centres. Metrocentre would join a portfolio that already includes major destinations such as Liverpool ONE, Bluewater in Kent and Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth. The potential deal comes as investor appetite for prime shopping centres continues to strengthen following several challenging years for the retail property market. Large destinations with established catchments, strong occupier line-ups and opportunities for active asset management are increasingly attracting attention from major property investors. For Landsec, adding Metrocentre would provide another substantial asset capable of supporting its strategy around destination-led retail, leisure and experience while increasing the scale of its national portfolio. The scale of the potential transaction would also make the sale an important marker for the wider UK retail investment market, particularly if the final price moves substantially beyond the £500 million guide. While a deal has yet to be completed, Landsec’s reported position as frontrunner places one of the country’s best-known shopping destinations on course for a significant change of ownership. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals