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

Landsec, the owner and operator of some of the UK’s most renowned retail destinations has broken ground at Marlborough Square, the next major milestone in the transformation of Gunwharf Quays, a UK retail outlet destination.

Following the successful upgrade of The Avenues earlier this year, this new phase will enable Landsec to further enhance the guest experience and reinforce Gunwharf Quays’ appeal amongst affluent shoppers and international visitors. Works are due to complete in Spring 2026.

The next phase includes enhanced shopfronts and facades, improved landscaping, expanded guest washrooms, and additional seating, all designed to improve dwell time and enable stronger flagship presentations.

A new retail unit will launch to bring a new brand experience to the centre in time for peak trade over the Golden Quarter. Brands including Cornish Bakery, Crew Clothing and M&S will move into larger units, with M&S expected to continue trading throughout the works.

This investment follows a period of standout commercial success with a record year for sales and footfall and more than a quarter (28 percent) of stores on site breaking performance records in FY24/25.

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, Landsec’s 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.

Gunwharf Quays continues to attract aspirational and first-to-region brands, with Russell & Bromley and Giggling Squid among the latest arrivals. The centre is actively targeting additional entrants to further boost its premium retail and hospitality offer.

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.