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
MINISO is set to open its 50th UK store at Centre:mk in Milton Keynes, marking a milestone in the lifestyle brand’s rapid expansion since entering the market in 2019. The new 1,550 sq ft unit on Silbury Boulevard will stock fan-favourite collections from Hello Kitty and Friends, Sylvanian Families, Disney
Asda is stepping up its convenience store expansion drive with the launch of nine new Asda Express branches this week, seven of which are opening across London. The move underlines the retailer’s ambition to strengthen its footprint in high-footfall city locations, residential areas, and key transport hubs. London shoppers will
Leading structural and civil engineering consultancy provides innovative solutions for one of Next’s largest retail destinations. Perega has successfully completed comprehensive structural engineering works for the new flagship Next store at Lakeside Shopping Centre in south Essex. The store, which is now open to the public, showcases the consultancy’s ability to
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
MINISO is set to open its 50th UK store at Centre:mk in Milton Keynes, marking a milestone in the lifestyle brand’s rapid expansion since entering the market in 2019. The new 1,550 sq ft unit on Silbury Boulevard will stock fan-favourite collections from Hello Kitty and Friends, Sylvanian Families, Disney and Pokémon, alongside a rotating line-up of vinyl plush pendants, blind boxes, surprise bags, toys, beauty, lifestyle accessories and snacks. The Centre:mk signing underscores MINISO’s strategy of targeting high-footfall destinations while steadily building a presence on prime high streets. It follows a flurry of 2025 launches, including Birmingham’s Bullring (opened 10 October), Glasgow Central (3 September), Bromley and Livingston (both 22 August), Telford Centre (11 July), Edinburgh Princes Street (21 March) and Kingston’s Clarence Street (7 March). Earlier flagships in London’s Oxford Street, Manchester’s Trafford Centre and Edinburgh’s Princes Street have helped cement brand visibility and supported a national roll-out of around 60 locations to date. For Centre:mk—one of the region’s dominant shopping destinations—the deal adds another crowd-pulling name to a tenant mix geared towards family and youth appeal. Kevin Duay, centre director at Centre:mk, said: “MINISO’s decision to bring its popular brand to Centre:mk is a reflection of the centre’s vast catchment area, high footfall and our ability to attract global retailers, and a clear endorsement in both Milton Keynes and the strength of Centre:mk as a dominant regional centre.” MINISO’s UK playbook blends fast-fit, merchandising-led store design with frequent product drops and licensed collaborations that fuel repeat visits. Recent openings suggest the retailer is balancing enclosed malls—where event-led activations can drive dwell—with town-centre locations that tap commuter and weekend footfall. The brand is also enhancing its digital offer, with plans to introduce click-and-collect to bridge online discovery and in-store purchase. For landlords and local authorities, the 50th-store announcement signals continued demand from value-led, impulse-friendly retailers that trade effectively across seasons and respond quickly to social media trends. For consumers, Centre:mk’s upcoming opening offers an accessible dose of “kawaii” culture and small-ticket gifting—timed neatly for peak shopping periods. Fit-out is expected to emphasise simple wayfinding, high-density front-of-house display and efficient back-of-house logistics to support rapid replenishment. With the milestone now set for Milton Keynes, MINISO’s UK footprint looks set to keep growing through 2026, combining shopping-centre anchors with targeted high-street infill and an increasingly omnichannel proposition. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Asda is stepping up its convenience store expansion drive with the launch of nine new Asda Express branches this week, seven of which are opening across London. The move underlines the retailer’s ambition to strengthen its footprint in high-footfall city locations, residential areas, and key transport hubs. London shoppers will soon find new Asda Express stores at Tower Bridge, Greenwich, Limehouse Station, Harringay, Deptford, Whetstone, and within the former Arsenal FC club shop at Finsbury Park Station. Beyond the capital, Asda will also open sites in Southampton and Stoke, enhancing its reach across southern and central England. Each Asda Express offers a broad range of ambient and chilled groceries, alongside beers, wines and spirits. Customers can also benefit from additional services including Costa Coffee machines, ATMs, Amazon collection and return points, and on-demand delivery through Uber Eats, Just Eat and Deliveroo. Joseph Sutton, vice president of Asda Express, foodservice and fuel, said the new stores are an important step in bringing Asda’s value proposition to more communities. “We’re thrilled to be opening nine new Express stores this week, including seven in London – an area where we have traditionally had less of a presence in convenience,” he explained. “These openings are a key part of our strategy to bring Asda’s unbeatable value to more urban areas and residential communities across the UK. We know customers have looked forward to these stores opening for a long time, and we’re delighted to welcome them in and offer outstanding value across their favourite products.” Earlier in October, Asda opened a new Express store in Castleford, marking the start of the latest phase of its rollout. The retailer plans to open a further ten stores before the end of the year and has a strong pipeline of additional sites lined up for 2026, reinforcing its rapid growth in the convenience sector. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading structural and civil engineering consultancy provides innovative solutions for one of Next’s largest retail destinations. Perega has successfully completed comprehensive structural engineering works for the new flagship Next store at Lakeside Shopping Centre in south Essex. The store, which is now open to the public, showcases the consultancy’s ability to deliver innovative and complex solutions for large-scale retail developments. The new Next store is one of the largest in the company’s portfolio and required bespoke engineering to bring its unique architectural vision to life. Perega’s work included designing and installing custom balustrade and structural glazing systems, a substantial customer staircase with a handrail, and carefully engineered shopfronts. Presenting unique engineering challenges, the project included complex load-bearing requirements and the need for seamless integration with the existing building. To meet these demands, Perega worked to a tight deadline to ensure the frameworks were done ahead of the summer launch date. This included developing bespoke detailing solutions, particularly for integrating the balustrade base with existing steelwork, demonstrating the team’s ability to deliver innovative technical solutions on a tight schedule. Jake Parsell, Structural Engineer and Project Lead at Perega, said: “This was a particularly exciting project that challenged our team to develop innovative solutions for integrating new structural elements with existing building systems. The scale and complexity of the works, combined with the tight timeline, required close collaboration and creative problem-solving. We’re delighted to have contributed to what has become a truly impressive flagship retail destination.” The new store features a modern design with open skylight windows, expansive atriums, and six customer entrances. The successful delivery of the Next Lakeside project reinforces Perega’s growing reputation in the retail sector, building on its established expertise across healthcare, education, and commercial developments. The project timeline, spanning ten months, demonstrates the team’s efficiency in managing fast-track retail developments. For more information, please visit perega.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals