Affinity Lancashire marks milestone year with full occupancy and strong visitor growth

Affinity Lancashire has marked a standout 2025, culminating in the centre reaching 100 percent occupancy.

The outlet destination, which offers visitors up to 60 percent off leading brands, is now fully let following the arrival of new tenants Castore. This milestone follows a £2 million capital investment programme focused on reconfiguring four units, which has enabled the centre to secure the premium performance sportswear brand.

The investment has also supported strong footfall growth with a 5 percent increase in 2025 YTD. The asset management and onsite teams are committed to driving visitor numbers and, over the past twelve months, have actively implemented new strategies to attract a wider audience. In 2025, the ‘Bus 2 Save’ partnership with Blackpool Transport entered its second year, while a refreshed coach incentive programme has delivered exceptional results. In the first three months of 2025 alone, coach visits rose by 170 percent.

What’s more, the addition of a dedicated event space has enabled the introduction of new free activities, which has proved to be a major draw in the current economic climate. This has included launching an Artisan Street Fayre, welcoming small independent local traders. In 2025, the Summer Artisan Street event delivered a 16.5 percent increase in footfall compared with the same day the previous year.

The centre’s 30th Birthday campaign, which featured a weekend of free entertainment entitled Affinity’s Big 30^th Birthday Bash, also resulted in increased footfall – with footfall up a demonstrable 40 percent year-on-year on the Sunday and, despite challenging hot weather, 13 percent up on the Saturday.

Embedding a comprehensive ESG strategy is also a key priority for the centre. Recent initiatives include a transition to waste provider B&M, ensuring zero waste to landfill, and the completion of an LED installation project replacing 135 light fittings to reduce carbon emissions. Plans are also underway to install EV charging points, further supporting environmental commitments.

In recognition of its strong performance, Affinity Lancashire has recently received multiple accolades, including the Sceptre Award for Marketing Manager of the Year awarded to Kate Pollard, as well as two wins at the Wyre Business Awards for Social Media and Tourism Business of the Year.

Loraine Atkin, Centre Manager at Affinity Lancashire, commented: “This has been an exceptional year for Affinity Lancashire, and I am incredibly proud of what our team and community have achieved together. From our leasing strategy to our events, it is brilliant to see the developments afoot across the centre. We are excited to keep building momentum and delivering even more reasons for people to visit and enjoy Affinity Lancashire in the months ahead.”

James Kevill, Asset Manager at Global Mutual, said: “Affinity Lancashire has had a standout year, and achieving full occupancy is a significant milestone that reflects growing confidence from both retailers and consumers. Combined with the centre’s commitment to community-led events and sustainable operations, these results demonstrate the strength of the asset and the continued appeal of outlet retail.”