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British Land has submitted a planning application for a 60,000 sq ft expansion of Glasgow Fort, marking a significant investment in the retail sector.
If approved, the project will expand the existing Marks and Spencer by 32,000 sq ft to create the brand’s largest store in Scotland. The development also includes plans for new leisure facilities, such as bowling and arcades, to diversify the current offerings at the site.
The application follows two public consultations held in 2025. The centre reported an 8% increase in footfall over the last 12 months, reaching its highest-ever visitor numbers. This growth has been supported by recent additions to the tenant list, including Victoria’s Secret and an expanded River Island.
The proposal represents one of the first major retail and leisure investments in the UK since 2020. British Land stated the expansion responds to sustained demand across fashion, health, and beauty.
Rachel Rankine, regional manager at M&S, said: “We’re excited about the opportunity to significantly expand our Glasgow Fort store and create a standout M&S destination for our customers in Scotland. If approved, this extension would allow us to showcase a bigger range of our delicious, trusted value Food and great quality Fashion, Home and Beauty products.
“Glasgow Fort is an important location for us and these plans will help us deliver a modern, spacious and enjoyable shopping experience for our customers.”
Matt Reed, head of asset management at British Land, added: “This proposed expansion reflects the continued momentum we’re seeing at Glasgow Fort and our confidence in its long-term growth. It’s also one of the UK’s first significant retail and leisure developments in recent years, signalling renewed confidence in the sector alongside the asset’s strong investment value.
“We’re actively managing and evolving the asset to ensure it remains relevant in line with changing consumer behaviours, with a focus on creating a vibrant environment that supports our occupiers while delivering compelling experiences for visitors.”
