centre:mk has announced the addition of three major food and beverage (F&B) brands to its roster. These new openings reflect the destination’s continued appeal to both national and multinational operators.
Bill’s Expands After Six-Year Hiatus
Bill’s, the well-known all-day dining concept, has launched a 3,500 sq ft restaurant located at the corner of Queens Court and Silbury Arcade. This new venue represents the group’s first opening in six years and a strategic move for the Richard Carding-backed brand. The choice of centre:mk aligns with the company’s plans to expand further in 2025 and beyond.
Tom James, Managing Director at Bill’s, expressed the brand’s enthusiasm for this milestone: “As our first new opening in six years, we are looking ahead to the new year and beyond with great excitement for the next stage of growth for the business. We have long been eyeing up Milton Keynes with its strong regional catchment, and centre:mk encapsulates everything we are looking for in a location.”
Cornish Bakery Makes a Regional Debut
Adding to the F&B lineup is Cornish Bakery, which has chosen centre:mk’s Deer Walk for its 2,650 sq ft regional debut. The bakery features seating for up to 82 people, making it the company’s largest new opening this year. Known for its independent ethos, Cornish Bakery’s entry into Milton Keynes underscores the destination’s ability to attract diverse culinary offerings.
Starbucks Upsizes with New Space
Starbucks has also reaffirmed its presence at centre:mk by relocating to an upsized 2,800 sq ft site on Queens Court. The move highlights the global coffee brand’s commitment to the destination, reflecting its strategy to invest in key locations.
A Year of Growth for centre:mk
These openings are part of a broader wave of investments at centre:mk, where 20 brands have opened or expanded operations this year, representing almost 150,000 sq ft of new or upgraded space. The diverse mix of additions continues to strengthen centre:mk’s reputation as a premier retail and leisure hub.
Kevin Duffy, Centre Director at centre:mk, commented: “The opening of Bill’s, Cornish Bakery and Starbucks relocation draws 2024 to a brilliant close. Not only does it strengthen the dynamic lineup of dining options we have curated at centre:mk, but the commitment demonstrated from these leading national and multinational operators further cements our reputation as a key regional destination.”
Retail Investment Continues
The F&B additions follow a strong year for centre:mk’s retail portfolio. Notable new arrivals include SpaceNK’s 1,721 sq ft store, alongside other leading names such as Mint Velvet, Castore, Goldsmiths, and Office. These investments have reinforced centre:mk’s standing as one of the UK’s top retail destinations.
The development and leasing activities for the latest openings involved FMX and Time Retail Partners acting for centre:mk, while Teague and Capital represented Bill’s.
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