The Mercers’ Company has completed the final phase of its refurbishment programme at Becket House, its c.42,000 sq ft of prime office space on the City estate. Becket House is now fully let, all within six months from the completion of works.  

Hammerson has signed the world’s most advanced virtual reality experience, Sandbox VR, as part of its vision to diversify the use of Grand Central in the heart of Birmingham and an ambitious strategy to reinvigorate its assets through new brands, entertainment, and experiential concepts.

Peel L&P has announced that Gloucester Quays, the premier South West outlet and dining destination, enjoyed a record breaking sales period in 2022, surpassing both 2021 and 2019 by 6% and 9% respectively.

Hammerson has submitted plans to transform a former department store at Grand Central, part of its Birmingham estate, into 200,000 sq ft of modern wellbeing-designed offices called ‘Drum’.  Designed by Ken Shuttleworth’s Make Architects, the proposals reflect Hammerson’s strategy to reinvigorate its prime urban estates through diversifying uses whilst maximising the re-use of embodied carbon in existing buildings.

Longmartin Properties Ltd, a joint venture between Shaftesbury and the Mercers’ Company, has announced social enterprise, Fair Shot Café, has selected The Yards, Covent Garden for the first not-for-profit café in the West End.

Flowers filled Liverpool ONE this morning to help put a smile on visitors’ faces on Blue Monday. Dubbed as the ‘most depressing day of the year’ following the festivities of Christmas, together with failed New Year’s resolutions and financial struggles, Blue Monday has become known for prompting ‘January blues’.

Shaftesbury has announced the signing of iconic, heritage hat brand, Stetson, as their first UK flagship in Seven Dials. Positioned in the heart of London’s West End at 58 Neal Street, the new store will span 1,165 sq ft and include an eclectic range of the brand’s signature styles.

John Lewis and Partners are bringing a unique big sale event outside of their store in centre:mk, with a special furniture and large electricals pop up, in addition to their January sale. 

RED Construction Group, the specialist main contractor, has announced that the company has seen its revenue more than double in the last financial year, a 164% increase, facilitated by sustainable growth in regional and project diversification.

The O2’s Entertainment District and shopping destination, Icon Outlet, which are owned and operated by Waterfront Limited Partnership, a joint venture between AEG and Crosstree Real Estate Partners, are looking ahead to a successful 2023, following a year of strong performance results and several, notable new brand signings and openings in 2022.

Longmartin Properties Ltd, a joint venture between Shaftesbury and the Mercers’ Company, has announced that Gura Gura, a brand-new Pan-Asian concept, has launched its debut restaurant within The Yards, Covent Garden.

Railpen, one of the largest pension managers in the UK, has announced the upsize of Skechers, the lifestyle and athletic footwear brand, at Caledonia Park, Scotland’s premier designer outlet village. Skechers has increased the size of its store by over 1,000 sq ft in a move that illustrates the strong and successful performance seen by leading international brands at the destination.

Popular healthy fast-food restaurant, itsu, has officially opened its latest location at centre:mk Milton Keynes, one of the top 10 retail destinations in the UK, further diversifying the centre’s F&B offering.

Grosvenor has announced that leading British retailer, Marks & Spencer (M&S), is to join Liverpool ONE, anchoring South John Street in two floors of the former Debenhams.  Set to open in mid-2023, the retail giant is relocating from Church Street to create a 100,000 sq ft store in a move that reaffirms the brand’s commitment to the city centre.

Hammerson has signed Lane7, the boutique bowling concept, at the Bullring Estate, as it continues to deliver its strategy to reinvigorate its assets through new brands, entertainment and experiential concepts.

Shaftesbury has announced that experienced restaurateurs Maguro Group have launched their debut casual Korean BBQ concept, Pochawa Grill, at Chinatown London’s 29 Wardour Street.

The UK’s first choice indoor family activity brand, Oxygen, has appointed Stärka, the leisure real estate advisory business, to support the brand’s expansion throughout the UK.  Stärka’s brief is to secure strategically located sites of between 20,000 sq ft to 30,000 sq ft owned or managed by landlords that are looking  to provide a unique experience for their customers and visitors.

On behalf of the team, we wish you A VERy Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Peel L&P has announced over 15,000 sq ft of new lettings at Gloucester Quays across 2022, with British bath, body & beauty retailer, Molton Brown, the latest premium brand to take space at the leading designer outlet.

Shaftesbury has announced the launch of two significant sustainable fashion brands within the Seven Dials community, reaffirming it as London’s go-to destination for the conscious consumer.