Media & Insights

Gunwharf Quays begins next phase of redevelopment as sales reach record highs

18 June 2025

Landsec, the owner and operator of some of the UK’s most renowned retail destinations including Bluewater, Trinity Leeds and Liverpool ONE, has broken ground at Marlborough Square, the next major milestone in the transformation of Gunwharf Quays, one of the UK’s best-performing retail outlets.

The redevelopment follows enhancements to The Avenues earlier this year and is part of Landsec’s wider strategy to elevate the centre’s physical environment, boost operational performance and enable stronger retail presentations. Works are due to complete in Spring 2026.

The programme includes:
•    Refreshed building façades and shopfronts
•    Enhanced public realm and landscaping
•    Larger, modernised guest washrooms
•    Additional public seating
•    A new retail unit in time for peak trade over the Golden Quarter

Gunwharf Quays’ evolution is underpinned by exceptional commercial performance in FY24/25, including record annual sales and footfall and more than a quarter (28%) of stores on site breaking performance records.

Tim Treadwell, Head of Retail Portfolio at Landsec said: “We continue to see strong demand from leading brands looking for premium environments to grow their outlet offerings. Gunwharf Quays is the perfect example of how Landsec is investing in its outlet portfolio to curate an environment that attracts even more guests, creates best-in-class experiences and supports the long-term success of brand partners.”  

With a strong heritage dating back more than 500 years, Gunwharf Quays is more than a traditional retail outlet. The unique and vibrant mixed-use destination offers premium retail and waterfront dining, with 96 retail stores and 36 eateries across 330,000 sq.ft. The destination also offers leisure activities, including cinema and bowling, a marina, hotel accommodation and office space, all nestled between historic buildings and ancient monuments.

Strategically, Landsec is positioning Gunwharf Quays to better serve affluent domestic and international customers, with an increased focus on aspirational retail and experience-led design. New lettings and targets reflect this shift, including new partnerships such as Russell & Bromley and Giggling Squid.

The redevelopment also incorporates sustainability at its core. Earlier this year, Landsec installed 1,287 solar panels throughout Gunwharf Quays, one of the largest arrays of solar across UK shopping centres. These generate more than 500,000 kWh annually and reduce the destinations’ carbon emissions by 115 tonnes, the equivalent of planting 5,400 trees.