Frasers Group takes more than 180,000 sq ft of retail space from British Land

The retail group has signed leases for more than 180,000 sq ft of retail space, which includes a flagship 120,000 sq ft site in Meadowhall shopping centre, Sheffield.

As part of the deal, a vacant Debenhams store will be broken up to include a 60,000 sq ft Sports Direct flagship with access to other brands from the Frasers Group ecosystem including USC, Game and Evans Cycles.  

Frasers has also signed two new leases at Teesside Shopping Park, a shopping destination near Stockton-on-Tees, which will help reach “a wide catchment of underserved customers”. 

The sports and luxury retailer is set to double the Sports Direct store at the location to 40,000 sq ft by late 2024, alongside a 20,000 sq ft Flannels store. 

Chief executive Michael Murray said: “We are big believers in physical retail and our significant investment demonstrates not only our commitment to the elevation strategy, but also our innovative approach to rethinking large retail spaces to make them fit for the future.

“With each new store opening, we seek to set the benchmark for outstanding regional retail as we continue to bring the world’s most aspirational brands, product innovations and customer experiences to regional consumers across the UK.” 

Darren Richards, head of real estate at British Land, said: “These new lettings across our regional retail portfolio clearly demonstrate the strength of the retail park format and Meadowhall’s appeal as a super-regional centre.

“These brands are successfully evolving to meet the ever-changing demands of the consumer, and we look forward to working closely with Frasers Group as it continues to roll out its elevation strategy.”