Why is the Grafton Centre closing?

The Grafton Centre in Cambridge is undergoing a major, approved redevelopment, closing many retail units to make way for a new life science laboratory, office, and mixed-use hub. The project addresses a 12% decline in footfall and high vacancy rates, aiming to repurpose the site with only a reduced, focused retail area.

What's happening to Grafton Centre?

In August 2022, Trinity Investment Management, backed by Angelo Gordon, completed the acquisition of The Grafton shopping centre from Legal & General's LGIM Real Assets for £61.4 million, representing a 50% loss of value in 5 years. Proposed uses for the site include redevelopment for life sciences laboratories.

What are the plans for The Grafton Centre redevelopment?

In February 2024, Cambridge City Council approved plans by Pioneer Group to partially knock down the shopping centre to make space for new life science laboratories, as well as a hotel and gym. The plans are expected to see 47,000sqm of life science space, with 11,000sqm of retail floorspace remaining.

Why is Grafton Cambridge empty?

The Grafton Centre in Cambridge is full of empty shops, as developers prepare to replace them with science laboratories. We spoke to people about their views on the proposals.

Is the Vue cinema in Cambridge closing down?

A Cambridge cinema has closed after 30 years. The Vue cinema, based in the Grafton Centre, has officially closed.

Grafton Centre Cambridge Extension Opening 1995 | Cambridge History Then & Now

Why are so many cinemas closing?

However, these costs are still cheaper than cinemas, and better value for your money. With the rising operating costs and the increase in streaming services, cinemas are closing nationally. This year alone, 10+ cinemas have closed, 7 being Cineworld and 3 being Odeon.

What will happen to Cineworld Renfrew Street?

Cineworld Renfrew Street in Glasgow closed in September 2025, but it's being transformed into a new Omniplex cinema and is set to reopen by mid-2026 with a major upgrade, including recliner seats, 4K laser projection, and OmniplexMAXX screens, offering a premium film experience. The building's owner, Irish cinema chain Omniplex, took the site back from Cineworld, with plans for significant investment in the iconic landmark.

What's happening to the Beehive Centre Cambridge?

The Beehive Centre in Cambridge is set for a major transformation: the government recently approved plans to demolish the existing retail park to build a large innovation and life-science hub with offices, labs, new shops, public gardens, and community spaces, replacing big-box retail with a modern mixed-use environment, despite local concerns about loss of local shopping and potential light obstruction. Developer Railpen will redevelop the site into a "world-class innovation park," creating jobs and new amenities, though the large-scale office buildings will replace current retail giants like Asda. 

Is Cambridge the most unequal city in the UK?

Firstly, Cambridge has, for some time, been reported to be the city with the greatest inequality in the UK.

What is the oldest building at Cambridge University?

The dining hall at Peterhouse was completed in 1290 and, in continuous use by Fellows and students for over 700 years, is the oldest collegiate building in Cambridge, making it a unique venue for all occasions.

Is Queensmere Slough closed?

Queensmere has now closed, with retailers moving into the still-open Observatory. Caroline Crowe, land and development director for Berkeley Homes, said the developer had outline planning for 1,600 homes "including retail and leisure on the ground floors for people to enjoy and actually visit Slough".

Where is the new Cavendish lab?

Situated at the heart of the university's evolving Cambridge West Innovation District, the new centre sits alongside another of our projects: the popular interdisciplinary West Hub building.

What is The Grafton redevelopment plan?

The Grafton Centre in Cambridge is changing.

So in 2023, Pioneer Group proposed a new vision to turn the centre around. Retail would be concentrated at the west end of the centre within a nicer shopping environment and improved streets.

What is the heart of Slough regeneration project?

The Heart of Slough project is a £400 million plan to redevelop the town centre in Slough, Berkshire. Begun in 2009, it aims to create a "cultural quarter" for the creative media, information and communications industries in the town.

What are the plans for the Nicholson Centre?

The plans for Nicholson Quarter submitted by London developer Areli will see the demolition of all but two existing buildings on the 1960s site to make way for four residential towers of 10,13,17 and 20 storeys alongside 55 new shops, bars and restaurants and a 10-floor carpark.

Is pub culture dying in England?

One pub a day disappeared for good in England and Wales during 2025 as sustained cost pressures continued to weigh heavily on the sector. Analysis of government statistics shows that 366 pubs were demolished or converted for other uses over the year to December.

Which stores will not make it to 2026?

Retailers and restaurants that have already announced closures...

• Carter's. Children's clothing is displayed at a Carter's Babies and Kids store on November 17, 2025 in Colma, California. ( ...
• Foot Locker. ...
• Kroger. ...
• Macy's. ...
• Red Robin. ...
• REI. ...
• Walgreens. ...
• Wendy's.

Who owns the Beehive Centre in Cambridge?

Orchard Street Investment Management has acquired the Beehive Centre, a shopping centre in Cambridge, from British Land for £109.2 million (€136 million). The 22,000-square-metre part-open consented retail property comprises 16 retail units.

What is the new tallest building in Cambridge?

Cambridge is getting its first true skyscraper. 121 Broadway, 37 stories and 439 apartments, will be the tallest building in the city.

Why is Cineworld struggling?

A mountain of debt

Before COVID, Cineworld had borrowed huge sums of money – billions, in fact – to buy other cinema chains. The idea was to grow fast and dominate the market. But when income dried up, that debt became a massive weight.

What is happening to Buchanan Galleries in Glasgow?

Buchanan Galleries in Glasgow is undergoing a major refurbishment by owner Landsec, approved in late 2025, shifting from previous demolition plans to enhancing the existing building with new retail (including flagship stores), a destination food hall, cultural spaces, and modern digital features, with works slated to begin in the second half of 2026 in phases to keep the centre open.
 

Who is the new owner of Cineworld Renfrew Street?

Former Cineworld site to be turned into Omniplex cinema

The Cineworld on Glasgow's Renfrew Street shut months after new owners Clydebankbridge Ltd - a subsidiary of Irish cinema chain Omniplex - bought the site.