The Co-op has proudly reopened three of its stores following significant refurbishments aimed at transforming the shopping experience for local communities. The convenience retailer’s sites in Topsham (Devon), Scarborough (Yorkshire), and Tupsley (Herefordshire) have all undergone major makeovers, boasting refreshed layouts and a stylish new design. Each store, ranging in size from 1,000 to 2,300 square feet, now features upgraded refrigeration systems designed to reduce energy consumption. Customers can enjoy an enhanced range of fresh produce, food-to-go options, meal deals, frozen favourites, dairy and bakery items, Fairtrade products, pizzas, flowers, ready meals, and everyday essentials. The upgraded stores also support Co-op’s growing online delivery service, acting as fulfilment hubs for home grocery deliveries through the retailer’s own online platform. In addition, soft plastic recycling points have been introduced, allowing shoppers to return typically difficult-to-recycle items such as crisp packets, bread bags, ready meal lids, biscuit wrappers, and pet food pouches. Daniel Case, Store Manager at the Fore Street Co-op in Topsham, shared his enthusiasm:“The whole team is thrilled to invest in Topsham and relaunch the Co-op store. The transformation is remarkable, and the feedback from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. “We’ve introduced a fresh, modern feel along with an expanded product range – offering quality, choice, and value for everyone. “We’re excited to welcome our members and customers back into their new-look Co-op. We’re here to make a difference locally and continue to serve and support our community with convenience and care.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Marks & Spencer (M&S) has revealed a £50 million investment plan to enhance its stores across the North West of England, adding a total of 100,000 sq ft of extra retail space to its estate. The investment, which will span the next three financial years, will see the rejuvenation of three stores in the region, bringing them in line with the retailer’s latest store format. In addition, five brand-new stores will be launched as part of the retailer’s ongoing store renewal and rotation programme. This move follows the success of recently renewed stores, which have been performing well since their revamp. The first of the new-look stores, at Gemini Retail Park in Warrington, reopened last week with an updated clothing, home, and beauty department, following the opening of a food hall at the same location last October. Meanwhile, the M&S store at New Mersey Retail Park in Speke will relocate and undergo a major transformation from a food hall to a full-line store, introducing clothing, home, and beauty departments to the south Liverpool area. In Formby, Merseyside, a brand-new food hall will open at The Point development, while in Thornton-Cleveleys, Lancashire, plans are underway to open a new food hall, subject to planning permission, which will triple the size of the existing store to 16,000 sq ft. Additionally, M&S has submitted a planning application to relocate its Blackburn store to the Frontier Park retail hub in East Lancashire. M&S’s Greater Manchester stores are also set for growth, with an extension planned for the full-line store at Middlebrook Retail Park in Bolton and a redesign for the food hall in Sale, which has recently been completed. Will Smith, Property Director at M&S, commented: “As we reshape for growth, we want to open new stores that not only offer a great shopping experience but that we can also be proud of. Our upcoming stores for 2025 showcase our commitment to investing in market-leading stores, as part of our ongoing renewal and rotation strategy. This investment in the North West will allow us to continue offering high-quality products, that M&S touch of magic, and the trusted value our customers expect.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Construction is officially underway on a new multi-let retail park in northwest Darlington, as northern development firm Almscliffe-Dhesi (AD) breathes new life into a disused industrial site. Work on the County Durham development has commenced and is set for completion this September. Several well-known brands, including Costa Coffee, Greggs, Indigo Sun, Harrison Vets, and Fastnet, have already secured units at the site. Additionally, McDonald’s has purchased a plot at the entrance, where it is constructing its own unit. This project follows AD’s recent success in delivering three major retail developments across the North East and North Lincolnshire. Neil Creeney, director at AD, said: “We’re pleased to confirm that construction at Faverdale is progressing well and remains on track for completion this autumn. The site has been fully cleared, and steelwork is set to begin shortly. “This marks Phase One of a wider development on the Faverdale site, with an additional four acres earmarked for future retail expansion. We are thrilled to have secured such a strong lineup of retailers for the first phase, bringing more choice to the area and boosting the local economy.” The £4 million scheme is backed by Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB), with Creeney highlighting the lender’s supportive role in the project. “HTB’s hands-on approach and flexibility have been invaluable. It’s rare to find a lender so committed to understanding and accommodating a developer’s needs,” he added. AD was founded in 2019 by Creeney and Bal Singh. Creeney previously worked with Yorkshire-based developers Opus North and S Harrison Developments, while Singh owned a successful chain of pharmacies across the North East. Singh commented: “Having completed three successful developments across the North East and North Lincolnshire, we’re confident in our model—revitalising brownfield sites, attracting national retailers, and creating sustainable jobs. Alongside Darlington, we’re also on-site with a major development in Sunderland.” The scheme is being marketed by @retail. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Kingsgate Shopping Centre in Huddersfield has secured a wave of new retail lettings in anticipation of the grand opening of multi-leisure operator The Light next week. Health and wellness retailer Holland & Barrett has taken a 2,000 sq ft unit, formerly occupied by The Body Shop, on a five-year lease. Jewellery brand Pandora has also expanded its presence, relocating to a larger 1,500 sq ft unit with a 10-year lease. Further bolstering the shopping centre’s retail mix, fashion accessories retailer Lovisa has signed a 10-year lease on an 850 sq ft unit, previously home to GAME. Additionally, Boots is set to move into Kingsgate from King Street, occupying a substantial 16,000 sq ft store on a 10-year lease. These new arrivals coincide with the much-anticipated launch of The Light, a major leisure destination opening in the former House of Fraser department store on 11th April. The venue will offer a variety of entertainment options, including a six-screen cinema, bowling, arcades, a climbing centre, interactive darts, karaoke, and an array of restaurants. Steve Bateman, asset manager at Kingsgate Shopping Centre, commented: “Huddersfield town centre is undergoing significant transformation, with key stakeholders, including Kirklees Council, working to streamline retail and leisure offerings. This consolidation is strengthening Kingsgate’s position as the town’s prime retail and leisure hub. We are delighted to welcome these fantastic brands to the centre.” Spanning 280,000 sq ft, Kingsgate Shopping Centre is home to a strong line-up of retailers, including JD Sports, TK Maxx, Sports Direct, HMV, Waterstones, and River Island. KLM Real Estate and Newns Webster continue to act as the centre’s retained letting agents. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Global fashion retailer UNIQLO is preparing to make its Glasgow debut with a new store on Argyle Street, marking its second location in Scotland. Spanning approximately 23,500 sq ft, the store is set to open later this year, adding to the ongoing transformation of Argyle Street, which recently welcomed Next at the end of last year. The Glasgow store joins UNIQLO’s existing Scottish location in Edinburgh, which opened in 2023. Across the UK, the brand operates over 20 stores, including key sites on London’s Oxford Street, Covent Garden, and Battersea, as well as regional locations in Manchester, Liverpool, and Oxford. The retailer is also gearing up to launch its first Midlands store at the Bullring in Birmingham. Savills represented the landlord, Sovereign Centros, while Sims Property Consultants acted on behalf of UNIQLO. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Japanese fashion retailer UNIQLO is expanding its UK presence with the launch of its first Midlands store at Birmingham’s Bullring shopping centre. Spanning 20,000 sq ft across three floors, the new store will feature a trading space of 11,840 sq ft, offering UNIQLO’s full range of men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing. The Birmingham opening marks a major step in UNIQLO’s regional expansion strategy, aligning with the city’s dynamic and fashion-conscious demographic. Paul O’Brien, director of leasing and commercialisation at Bullring’s owner Hammerson, commented: “Bullring continues to attract leading global brands looking for a flagship presence in the region. UNIQLO’s arrival reinforces the centre’s status as the Midlands’ premier retail destination, complementing its diverse line-up of top fashion and lifestyle names.” Alessandro Dudech, chief operating officer of UNIQLO UK, added: “We are committed to growing our presence across the UK, both through physical stores and e-commerce. Bringing UNIQLO to the Midlands is a key milestone for us, and Birmingham’s Bullring—at the heart of the UK’s second city—is the perfect location.” UNIQLO joins a wave of investment at Bullring, following the recent openings of Zara’s 51,000 sq ft flagship store, Sephora’s Midlands debut, and PURESEOUL’s second store outside London. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

FMX Urban Property Advisers has successfully secured eight new locations across London for Marks & Spencer’s growing food hall concept. Over the past six months, FMX has secured sites in: A spokesperson for FMX commented: “With several more deals nearing exchange this quarter and additional locations in legal negotiations, we remain focused on expanding the M&S Food Hall footprint. We are actively seeking further opportunities, whether leasehold, freehold, development sites, land parcels, high street units, retail park locations, or standalone premises.” Towards the end of last year, M&S announced its intention to accelerate its store expansion strategy. FMX is encouraging property owners and developers with suitable locations to get in touch with its team members David Justice, Henry Foreman, and Howard Quigley to discuss potential opportunities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Meadowhall shopping centre in Sheffield is set for a major retail boost as JD Sports, Superdrug, and Ann Summers commit to significant store expansions. These latest leasing deals will see the three brands increase their combined retail space to an impressive 42,278 square feet. JD Sports is making a bold move by nearly tripling its footprint on the Lower Level High Street. The sportswear giant will merge five adjacent units to create a flagship 29,225-square-foot store, set to be the largest in the region and the second biggest in the country when it opens in 2026. Meanwhile, Superdrug is relocating to a 10,199-square-foot unit within Meadowhall, making it one of the retailer’s largest stores nationwide. The new space is set to open in late May and will feature an expanded range of health and beauty products. Ann Summers is also upsizing, moving into a 2,854-square-foot unit on the Lower Level High Street. The new store promises an enhanced shopping experience with a refreshed layout and updated design. These expansions come following a period of significant investment in Meadowhall. Last year, British Land sold its 50% stake in the shopping centre to Norges Bank Investment Management for £360 million, giving the sovereign wealth fund full ownership of the retail destination. British Land continues to manage the asset. Richard Crowther, retail leasing director at British Land, said: “Meadowhall continues to attract strategic investment from leading national and international brands. JD Sports, Superdrug, and Ann Summers are the latest tenants to reaffirm their commitment to the centre, following 26 retailers that have invested over £30 million in their stores over the past year. These substantial lease agreements will further elevate Meadowhall’s Lower High Street as part of a centre that dominates the regional retail landscape.” James Air, director of group acquisitions at JD Sports, added: “I am absolutely thrilled that we will be delivering one of our largest stores in Europe at Meadowhall. With over 60 metres of frontage in a prime location, I am confident this will be one of our very best stores.” This wave of retail investment follows the recent announcement that beauty brand Sephora UK has chosen Meadowhall as the location for its first Yorkshire store, set to open this summer. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Ikea is set to open its long-awaited Oxford Street store next month, following an 18-month delay due to complex renovations. Located at 214 Oxford Street, the former Topshop flagship site has undergone a major transformation to house the Swedish retailer’s latest London outlet. Spanning three storeys, the 62,500 sq ft space will feature showrooms displaying 6,000 products, with 3,500 available for immediate takeaway. A 130-seat deli will also be part of the offering. The site has been under renovation for three years after Ingka Investments, the investment arm of Ikea’s parent company, acquired the Grade II-listed, 238,958 sq ft building for £378m in 2021. The extensive refurbishment has included replacing fossil fuel gas-fired boilers with energy-efficient air-source heat pumps, installing secondary glazing, and restoring the building’s historic façade. Originally slated to open in autumn 2023, the launch was pushed back due to the complexities of the redevelopment. Ikea has now confirmed the store will open on 1 May, following the closure of its Hus of FRAKTA pop-up concept store. Peter Jelkeby, chief executive and chief sustainability officer at Ikea UK, said: “London is an iconic shopping destination, and we are thrilled to now have a home in its centre. Ikea Oxford Street’s location complements our network of stores in London – and beyond – and allows us to be closer to where our customers live, work and shop, while importantly being easily accessible by foot or public transport.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals