Background
The Gyle Shopping Centre is a well-established retail destination in west Edinburgh, anchored by Marks & Spencer and Morrisons alongside national retailers such as Boots, Next, Starbucks, Specsavers and Card Factory. With strong transport links via the city bypass, tram and rail connections, The Gyle benefits from a wide suburban catchment and plays a key role in Edinburgh’s retail landscape.
The Challenge
Units 53 and 54, located on the centre’s main pitch, had been occupied on a series of temporary and flexible leases for years. At 1,499 sq ft and 1,498 sq ft, the units were too small individually to attract long-term national occupiers, limiting their potential.
The Solution
Through our market knowledge and agency relationships, we identified that The Entertainer was vacating its store at Cameron Toll, Edinburgh. Keen to maintain city representation, we approached their agent and proposed amalgamating Units 53 and 54 to create a single unit of around 3,000 sq ft – the retailer’s ideal floorplate.
We negotiated a new 10-year lease for the combined unit, aligning with The Entertainer’s requirements and the centre’s strategy to secure family-focused, high-footfall tenants.
The Result
The deal delivered:
- Two temporary units consolidated into a single, permanent letting
- A 10-year lease secured to The Entertainer
- Creation of a c.3,000 sq ft unit tailored to demand
- Strengthened tenant mix with a national retailer fitting the scheme demographic and driving footfall
This transaction transformed underperforming units into a long-term income and reinforced The Gyle’s position as a key principal shopping destination.
