May 2026
GCW’s investment team has been steadily increasing market share in shopping centre transactions by number, to around 30% in the last 12 months – and the growth continues to accelerate, with several schemes under offer.
The team’s market share reflects both the quantity and quality of recent activity, and what’s behind this success is the collaborative approach within GCW. The experience that runs through the investment and occupational teams combines to provide joined-up, comprehensive advice in short time frames, making a huge difference to the smooth- running and outcomes of transactions.
“This sustained performance is really down to the open culture and flexible, agile attitude we have,” says Oli Horton, GCW partner. “We can call on the specialist expertise that exists within the business at any time. And we also have great relationships with external partners, especially in asset management. It all helps move deals along and maximise results for our clients.”
Another factor behind the team’s growth story is the scale of most of the transactions it’s involved in, with more and more in the £10 million - £50 million+ bracket. James Waldock, GCW Partner, explains: “Liquidity in the shopping centre and larger scale multi-let retail market is picking up nicely, with an increasing buyer pool and an overall positive sentiment towards UK retail investment. Despite recent geopolitical and macro-economic tensions, the debt markets are also improving – and this, together with increased certainty in the performance of the occupational market, is boosting investor confidence.”
Recent GCW shopping centre transactions.
Examples of the investment team’s recent activities reflect its expertise and performance in transactions of all sizes.
Goodman’s Fields, Aldgate, London.
Goodman’s Fields is a 7-acre award-winning estate comprising 1,000,000 sq ft of mixed-use accommodation, 1,000 homes, a 250-bedroom hotel and 600+ student beds. GCW advised Berkeley Homes (Capital) PLC on the sale of the remaining commercial elements, comprising twelve commercial units and totalling approximately 40,000 sq ft. Key tenants include Tesco, Pizza Union, Tian Tian Market, an NHS Pharmacy, Boom Battle Bar and a selection of popular dining, delicatessen and gym operators. The long- leasehold interests were sold to an institutional buyer. (Read more about GCW’s success with the scheme on page 20).
The Potteries Centre, Stoke-on-Trent.
GCW advised Belgate Estates on the purchase of the asset, a former Intu Shopping Centre, at a price of around £10.5 million. Completed within a month, the transaction secures the freehold of 800,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space, including a nine-screen cinema, along with 900 car-parking spaces.
Haymarket Shopping Centre, Leicester.
In a scheme of 110,000 sq ft, anchored by TK Maxx, Deichmann, Evans Cycles, Costa Coffee and Halifax, GCW acted for purchaser MGI Holdings, negotiating a lease with a WAULT of 3.6 years to expiry and 3.1 years to break.
Cockhedge, Warrington.
GCW advised Sheet Anchor Evolve, part of M Core, on the acquisition of Cockhedge in Warrington, a 170,000 sq ft convenience scheme that works well for the local area, with an everyday retail mix and a solid base to build from. The scheme is anchored by a 75,000 sq ft Asda, leased for another 80 years. Danny O’Keefe, Co-Founder, Sheet Anchor Evolve, comments: “Cockhedge Retail Park is a dominant convenience retail-led scheme. We look forward to elevating the scheme and working closely with our tenants, local stakeholders and the wider community.”
Grants Entertainment Centre, Croydon.
Covering 160,840 sq ft, Grants Entertainment Centre, Croydon, contains tenants including Vue, Tokia Square food court, Nando’s and Nuffield Health. Acting on behalf of MGI Investments, the GCW investment team bought the freehold off-market, and the owner team will manage the leasing.
Other recent investment team deals.
Abbey Quay, Barking.
Acting on behalf of Weston Homes, GCW sold a 9,000 sq ft purpose-built gym unit within this mixed-use and residential development for £2 million.
High Road, Streatham.
GCW sold 210-216 High Road, Streatham, for £4.55 million in summer 2025, acting on behalf of CBRE Investment Management. The multi- let freehold parade is anchored by B&Q.
Lower Parliament Street, Nottingham.
In December, GCW sold 6-8 Lower Parliament Street for £925,000, on behalf of investment and asset- management firm, Capreon. The ground floor is now let to Mexican restaurant, Boojum, with an unexpired term of 9.5 years, and the upper parts have planning permission to convert into five flats.
Hammersmith Broadway and Ludgate Hill – identifying value in reletting space.
GCW’s investment team identified the value in a vacant 10,500 sq ft property opposite Hammersmith tube station, and purchased it for £6.15 million on behalf of a US Family Office, planning to develop a hostel on the upper floors and reconfigure the ground floor for a quick-service restaurant. Using its unrivalled knowledge of Hammersmith, the team maximised value through generating competitive tension and back-to-backing the ground-floor letting with the purchase.
Similarly, at 34-40 Ludgate Hill, GCW spotted an asset- management opportunity through obtaining vacant possession of a former Marston’s pub and reletting to improve the running yield. Acting for Raphael Property, the investment team acquired the property for £3 million, 7.80% NIY. The yield profile is very attractive for Central London and a prime high-footfall location next to St Paul’s Cathedral.