Derbion secures more than 215,000 sq ft of lettings amid major Primark deal 

Derbion has secured 215,919 sq ft of new lettings over the past 12 months, as the Derby shopping centre continues to expand its retail, leisure and food offer.Among the largest deals is a 40,000 sq ft letting to Primark, which will relocate to Derbion in 2027. A number of fashion brands have also opened stores during the year, including Victoria’s Secret, Seasalt, Crew Clothing and Luke 1977.

The centre has also expanded its leisure offer with the redevelopment of the former Eagle Market into a community sports destination. Social Sports Society and Flo Skatepark have invested a combined £1m in units totalling more than 75,000 sq ft.

In food and drink, Wingstop has signed and is due to open in early 2026. Existing operators have invested around £2m over the past two years, with Zizzi and Wagamama completing refits and Chopstix reopening following works to its unit.

Derbion said the changes have helped attract more than 15 million visitors over the past year. Alongside new arrivals, the centre agreed 11 lease renewals, regears, refits and relocations with occupiers including Footlocker, Moss, H Samuel, Pandora and AllSaints.

The past year also saw Derbion secure a BREEAM In-Use Outstanding rating for asset management, making it one of the first UK retail destinations to achieve the standard. The centre said the rating reflects measures linked to energy use, carbon reduction, transport, health and wellbeing.

In addition, Derbion completed its multi-million-pound Eastern Gateway development, creating a new façade and urban garden and reshaping the eastern entrance to the city centre. 

Michael Boundy, director of Asset Management at Derbion, said: “2025 has been a transformative year for Derbion with several key leasing transactions helping to evolve our occupier line-up. These new lettings and the investment by our existing occupiers into new spaces has required the support of the whole Derbion team who have ensured both new and current tenants continue to thrive.

“It has also been exciting to see so many brands select Derbion for either their first location or flagship store for the East Midlands. This highlights the demand we are seeing from occupiers across the retail, F&B, and leisure space in Derbion cementing our place as one of the leading visitor attractions in the region.”

Beth McDonald, managing director at Derbion added: “We are delighted to see the impact our new arrivals are having on footfall and sales across Derbion and we look forward to announcing even more new arrivals in 2026.

“These new lettings and investment by our current brands continues Derbion’s journey of becoming the leading day out destination in the East Midlands. Our growing retail and leisure offering coincides with our partnerships with key community stakeholders such as Derby City Council and the development of the Eastern Gateway, as well as our parking agreement with the newly opened Vaillant Live performance venue, both of which have helped increase footfall and spend across many of our retail and F&B operators.”