Waitrose is committing millions to refresh and expand its London estate, underscoring the capital’s importance to the grocer’s growth plans as it opens its 62nd store in the city. The latest arrival is Little Waitrose & Partners at Wandsworth New Acres, a 2,500 sq ft convenience shop set within a new neighbourhood development. It follows recent London refurbishments in Marylebone and Clerkenwell and marks the next step in a programme of targeted upgrades and small-format openings designed to bring the brand closer to dense residential catchments. As part of the investment, Waitrose will renew its convenience shops in Crouch End and Old Brompton Road and upgrade its Coulsdon store before the end of the year, with further transformations scheduled for the first quarter of 2026. The focus is on modernising high-street footprints and improving day-to-day experience for local shoppers, while aligning formats to the evolving mix of commuter, family and home-working missions across the capital. “From our roots in Acton where we opened our very first shop, to Streatham which saw our first supermarket, and now our newest convenience shop in Wandsworth, London has always been home to Waitrose and central to our success,” said Tina Mitchell, interim managing director of Waitrose. “Today, as we open our 62nd store in the capital, we’re committing to investing millions to expand and refresh our portfolio. We pride ourselves on excellent customer service and by continually listening to what our customers want and need, we are well positioned for future growth in London and across the UK.” The London push sits within a wider estate strategy. The retailer says it is investing in every shop nationwide, combining refurbishments with new openings to optimise coverage and format mix. In the Bristol area, Waitrose opened a new convenience store last week at The Arches and announced its first regional distribution centre, strengthening last-mile capability for both full-line and convenience shops. The pipeline also includes the first new full-line Waitrose supermarket in seven years, due to open in 2027 at Brabazon, a major new town being created on the former Filton Airfield in Bristol. For London specifically, the programme reflects how grocers are threading smaller, well-specified stores into mixed-use schemes and established high streets, supporting footfall and everyday services in walkable neighbourhoods. While the Wandsworth opening showcases the compact Little Waitrose model embedded in new residential development, the upcoming works in Crouch End, Old Brompton Road and Coulsdon signal continued investment in existing assets to lift presentation, convenience and efficiency. With a balance of targeted refurbishments and selective new shops, Waitrose’s multimillion-pound commitment is framed as an estate-wide upgrade that builds on the brand’s long London heritage while preparing for the next phase of urban growth. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Superdrug has opened its largest store in the South West at Cribbs Mall, Bristol, unveiling an 8,901 sq ft space that strengthens the centre’s health and beauty offer and underlines the retailer’s continued investment in bricks and mortar. The unit has a direct entrance from the mall and showcases Superdrug’s latest experience-led format. A key feature is the Beauty Playground, now one of around 30 locations nationwide to host the concept, where shoppers can test products, discover new brands and get guidance from trained brand ambassadors. The fit-out also includes a full Beauty Studio providing brow, nail and piercing services, supported by an in-store clinic offering seasonal treatments such as flu jabs. Clare Jennings, property director at Superdrug, said the Cribbs Mall flagship demonstrates the brand’s focus on larger, service-rich spaces that broaden customer choice and deliver a modern, energy-efficient store environment for the region. For Cribbs Mall, the opening represents a significant upsize by one of its strongest performers, enabling a broader range and deeper services under one roof. From a property perspective, the larger footprint supports clearer category zoning, back-of-house efficiency and higher service capacity at peak, aligning with the centre’s wider programme to enhance shopper experience and extend dwell time. Sovereign Centros by CBRE, asset manager for Cribbs Mall, said the new unit cements the destination’s position as the regional home of health and beauty, with Superdrug’s expansion illustrating how leading brands are investing to elevate their physical estates. The launch adds further momentum to the centre’s tenant investment cycle and gives Superdrug a prominent South West showcase for its latest store design, combining retail, services and consultation in a single, highly visible location. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

British travel brand Antler has announced the opening of a new UK store, the first since the brand reimagination in 2023. Located at 100 Regent Street, London, the new flagship store will open early 2026 and marks a pivotal moment for the brand. Spanning two floors and over 2,400 sq ft, the store will be designed as a unique retail experience. This will be the first standalone UK location that brings to life Antler’s new brand identity in a physical setting and follows the success of a one year residency on  Spring Street, New York, and a pop up store in Selfridges London launch, last year. Situated at the southern end of London’s prestigious shopping district, Antler’s will join other global British brands Burberry and Mulberry in its premium retail positioning. The Regent Street opening signals the beginning of Antler’s wider retail investment strategy, with a goal to open at least three stores in the UK and internationally over the next three years. This commitment reflects Antler’s confidence in the relevance of physical retail and its importance in deepening customer connections as the brand continues to grow.  The store’s design will blend heritage and modernity, reflecting Antler’s long-standing legacy through a contemporary lens. Using materials that complement the surrounding architecture and environment, the space will allow customers to explore Antler’s full range of luggage, bags, and accessories. Kirsty Glenne, Antler’s Managing Director, said, “Opening our first UK store on London’s iconic Regent Street is a defining moment for Antler. When we began the brand and business transformation journey 3 years ago, we couldn’t have envisioned a more fitting location. Regent Street’s global reputation and rich history make it the ideal setting for the next phase of our brand journey in our home market. It truly puts Antler back on the map in a significant way.” Laura Thursfield, Retail Leasing Director at Crown Estate adds “We are delighted to be welcoming Antler to open their UK flagship store on Regent Street. This iconic store will be in good company alongside other leading British brands including Burberry, Mulberry and Jo Malone. We are excited to support Antler on the next step of their journey in this globally renowned shopping destination. This new addition follows our recent acquisition of 100 Regent Street and will be integral to the delivery of our wider plans for Regent Street and St James’s.” This flagship store marks an important moment in Antler’s ambitious growth strategy, reinforcing its presence in the UK while complementing its international expansion efforts. Since the 2023 rebrand, Antler has celebrated a series of significant milestones, most notably achieving double-digit sales growth over the last three years in addition to acquiring the U.S. luxury luggage brand Paravel, each strengthening its vision of becoming a global house of travel brands. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Superdrug has officially reopened in Metrocentre’s lower Red Mall in a brand new, 10,000 sq ft unit, unveiling the retailer’s latest store design and an expanded, service led offer. The upsized space introduces treatment studios and cosmetic services alongside a curated line up of regionally exclusive brands, including sought after Korean and Japanese skincare. A standout is an exclusive edit from PURESEOUL, The Home of K beauty, bringing trending ranges to the North East under one roof. The fit out focuses on experience, clarity and efficiency. Updated wayfinding, refreshed finishes and energy efficient LED lighting support a brighter, easier to shop environment, while the added services shift the store towards a clinic and beauty studio model that encourages longer dwell and repeat visits. The result is a modern, flexible box designed to accommodate new categories and pop up brand moments without major interventions. The relaunch forms part of a wider wave of landlord and occupier investment at Metrocentre. Superdrug is one of ten established retailers committing capital to the destination this year, contributing to more than 76,000 sq ft of refurbished and expanded space across the campus. Recent activity includes projects by Boots, HMV, Kuoni and LEGO, underscoring continued confidence in the scheme and the role of high performing regional malls in multichannel retail strategies. Environmental performance and responsible delivery have been threaded through the programme. Across recent AS Watson projects at Metrocentre, specifications have prioritised energy efficient lighting, low waste fit out practices and the retention or reuse of existing elements where feasible. Sister brand The Perfume Shop’s newly refitted experiential store at the centre highlights the approach: ISO 14001 accredited principal contractors, LED throughout, and a permanent perfume bottle recycling service that encourages customers to return empties in store. Superdrug’s new concept aligns to the same ESG direction of travel, with lower energy operations, durable finishes and adaptable layouts that reduce future strip out. From a property standpoint, the move consolidates Superdrug’s position as a wellness anchor in Red Mall, adding scale and specialist services to complement neighbouring fashion and lifestyle brands. The larger floorplate enables clearer adjacencies, with skincare, fragrance and studios together, while back of house improvements support faster replenishment and a broader SKU count. Regionally exclusive K and J Beauty ranges, front of house services and upgraded lighting combine to drive footfall and conversion, strengthening the unit’s role as both a retail destination and a platform for new brand launches. For Metrocentre, the project is another proof point for targeted reinvestment, right sizing, remerchandising and upgrading well trading units to modern specifications that lift performance and extend asset life. For Superdrug, the Gateshead flagship demonstrates how the chain is evolving its physical estate, with bigger footprints, richer services and a stronger sustainability baseline, to meet changing customer expectations while supporting the wider AS Watson portfolio on site. With the doors now open, the expanded store adds fresh momentum to Metrocentre’s 2025 upgrade cycle and gives North East shoppers a best in region Superdrug experience built around service, exclusivity and lower impact design. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

DTZ Investors has completed the £58 million acquisition of a freehold hotel and retail block in London’s West End. The asset, located at 120-134 Tottenham Court Road, 48-50 Grafton Way and 5 Warren Street, extends to around 174,575 sq ft and is anchored by a 330-room hotel. The hotel is leased to Radisson Blu on a long-term agreement running until 2163, with fixed five-yearly uplifts. The tenant is currently investing approximately £7.5 million in a phased refurbishment of the property. Alongside the hotel, the block includes around 26,365 sq ft of retail accommodation across 12 units, let to a mix of occupiers including Tesco, Boots, McDonald’s, Starbucks, Caffè Nero, Paul, Rosa’s Thai and Wasabi. Tony Gibby, senior director at DTZ Investors, said: “This acquisition provides long-term, inflation-linked income from a prime West End location. The combination of a landmark hotel and resilient high-street retail offers both secure income and asset management potential, aligning with our strategic objectives.” RX London, Savills and Forge advised DTZ Investors, while Knight Frank acted for the vendor. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Landsec is reshaping its development priorities, pausing new office schemes in favour of a major push into retail acquisitions worth £1bn. Chief executive Mark Allan used the company’s latest investor day to set out the shift, highlighting stronger opportunities for growth in shopping centres compared with new-build commercial offices. The strategy marks a decisive pivot for one of the UK’s biggest developers, which has already seen success from previous retail investments. Over the next three years, Landsec plans to scale back its office-led pipeline to around £200m by mid-2026. In the same period, it will recycle about £2bn of capital by selling office assets, redirecting the funds into retail expansion. Allan told investors: “Having sold £295m of offices well ahead of schedule, Landsec intends to accelerate further capital recycling over the next 12–18 months, to reinvest in major retail.” The move signals a halving of office development in the medium term, reflecting shifting market dynamics. Yet Landsec insists its wider ambitions remain intact, particularly in residential. The group is pressing ahead with regeneration at Mayfield in Manchester, along with proposals for new homes above Lewisham shopping centre in south London. By focusing on retail at scale while maintaining a foothold in housing, Landsec is betting on consumer-led growth to drive the next chapter of its portfolio. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Aldi has set out an ambitious plan to open 80 new UK stores over the next two years as part of a £1.6bn investment in its estate, sharpening competition on the high street and widening access to low-cost groceries. The supermarket says 21 branches will open in the next 13 weeks alone, including Shoreditch in London, Durham in the North East and Kirkintilloch in Scotland. The expansion builds on momentum from the past year and supports Aldi’s long-term ambition to operate 1,500 stores nationwide. It currently runs 1,060 supermarkets across the UK, meaning the programme would take the discounter a significant step closer to its target while improving geographic coverage in areas where consumer demand remains strong. Earlier this year Aldi named 20 priority locations where it is actively seeking sites, among them Bromley and Ealing in Greater London, South Shields in Tyne and Wear, and Witney in Oxfordshire. The retailer’s approach typically focuses on convenient, accessible plots that can serve dense residential catchments, pairing everyday value with straightforward store layouts and ample parking. Financial results for the 12 months to December 2024 underline the scale of the operation. Sales rose to £18.1bn, up from £17.9bn in 2023, reflecting sustained shopper appetite for keen pricing and own-label innovation. The latest investment aims to lock in that loyalty by making stores easier to reach and by refreshing parts of the existing estate alongside new openings. Giles Hurley, chief executive officer for Aldi UK and Ireland, said: “Since we opened our first UK store over 35 years ago, we’ve brought high-quality, affordable groceries to almost 800 towns and cities, but there are hundreds more communities that don’t have an Aldi nearby. We’re more determined than ever to meet that demand, and that’s why we’re investing a record £1.6bn over the next two years, to bring Aldi prices closer to millions more customers.” The near-term pipeline of 21 stores suggests a balanced mix of city, town and suburban locations, a pattern that has helped the brand broaden its appeal from weekly family shops to top-up missions and convenience-led baskets. A steady drumbeat of openings over two years should also allow supply chains, recruitment and training to ramp in step with customer demand. For landlords and local authorities, Aldi’s plans signal continued confidence in bricks-and-mortar retail, especially in neighbourhoods that value everyday essentials at competitive prices. For shoppers, the outcome is straightforward: more choice on where to buy the weekly shop, and greater pressure on rivals to keep prices sharp. As the cost of living remains a live concern for many households, the discounter’s expansion will be closely watched across the sector. With a clear store-opening timetable and significant capital committed, Aldi is positioning itself to capture more market share while staying true to the formula that has underpinned its rise: simplicity, efficiency and value. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

British Land has signed 16,000 sq ft of new retail and dining deals at Broadgate Central, next to Liverpool Street Station, taking the ground and lower floors of the newly completed 1 Broadgate to 79% let or under offer. The latest line-up blends fragrance, fashion and fast-casual dining. Headliners include Boots Fragrance – the retailer’s first dedicated fragrance-only boutique – alongside Molton Brown, Swiss chocolatier Läderach and Parisian patisserie Ladurée. On the food side, NOTTO To Go, Sandwich Sandwich and Sushinoya are set to join the mix. Menswear brand MOSS, hair removal clinic Strip and grooming specialist Murdock London round out the signings. They will sit alongside fashion names already secured for the scheme, such as Mango, Luca Faloni, Hobbs and Whistles, plus Vagabond wine bar. Across the wider estate, Broadgate now offers 289,000 sq ft of retail, hospitality and leisure, with an established roster that includes Eataly, Los Mochis London City, Everyman, Monica Vinader, Tommy Hilfiger and Space NK. Kelly Cleveland, head of real estate and investment at British Land, said the campus is seeing “fantastic leasing momentum”, with a diverse mix of brands choosing Broadgate to grow their central London presence. “These latest lettings build on recent announcements and reflect the enduring appeal of Broadgate’s location, connectivity and curated offer,” she added. With a strong pipeline and fresh anchors in fragrance, fashion and food, British Land’s latest signings continue the repositioning of Broadgate as a seven-day destination for office workers, locals and visitors alike. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Hammerson has signed a second flagship deal with UNIQLO, bringing the Japanese retailer to Cabot Circus in Bristol. The two-storey unit will provide around 15,000 sq ft of tradable space and stock womenswear, menswear and childrenswear, including the brand’s signature LifeWear collections—available in the South West for the first time. The letting builds on leasing momentum at Cabot Circus, where M&S is due to open later this year and ODEON is set to follow in 2026. It also follows Hammerson’s agreement with UNIQLO at Birmingham’s Bullring earlier this year, with the brand making its Midlands debut next month. Paul O’Brien, director of leasing and commercialisation at Hammerson, said UNIQLO’s investment in both destinations “highlights the confidence that leading retailers have in Hammerson, and the unmatched quality of our destinations,” adding that prime, city-centre locations continue to attract “best-in-class global brands seeking regional flagships”. Alessandro Dudech, chief operating officer of UNIQLO UK, said the move forms part of a nationwide expansion across physical stores and ecommerce. “We are pleased to introduce UNIQLO to the communities and visitors in the South West at Bristol’s Cabot Circus,” he noted, highlighting LifeWear’s focus on quality, simplicity and functionality. For Cabot Circus, the arrival of a high-profile international brand adds further weight to a refreshed fashion and leisure mix, strengthening its draw across the region. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals