M The Galleries, Washington adds three lettings as centre extends 2026 leasing momentum
"These three deals show the breadth of demand we're seeing at M The Galleries, from value fashion through to health and beauty and food and beverage. A 15-year commitment from Bocca Felice and a first-for-the-centre concept in Lumen tell us occupiers see long-term potential here, not just a short-term let. We're building a mix that keeps dwell time up and gives shoppers reasons to come back."
M The Galleries in Washington has completed three new lettings, extending the run of activity at the scheme following a string of deals earlier this year, including the arrival of Peacocks. The transactions span fashion, health and beauty, and food and beverage, covering over 3,000 sq ft of retail space.
Unit 76 (1,083 sq ft) has been let to value fashion and footwear retailer North West on a three-year lease. The store is now open.
Unit 69 (1,098 sq ft) has been let to Lumen, a state-of-the-art tanning salon, on a 10-year lease. The salon has opened in Wessington Square, a first for the centre, featuring five beds, including stand-up and lie-down models with the latest technology.
Unit 89a (1,066 sq ft) has been let to premium coffee brand Bocca Felice on a 15-year lease. Works have started on the new coffee shop, which will sit alongside the recently upsized Greggs and feature contemporary interior design and an outdoor seating area. Bocca Felice is targeting a mid to late September opening.
Simon Redgrove, CEO of Bocca Felice, commented:
"We're delighted to be opening at M The Galleries and becoming part of the Washington community. As Bocca Felice grows across the UK, we look for locations with strong local communities and a positive long-term outlook, and this centre fits that description well. We've invested in modern coffee equipment and a loyalty programme to bring together convenience and quality, and we're looking forward to bringing that experience to shoppers in Washington."
The deals continue a period of sustained leasing activity at the centre, following five lettings and upsizes completed since the start of 2026.
Simon Eatough, Director at LCP UK, part of M Core, commented:
"These three deals show the breadth of demand we're seeing at M The Galleries, from value fashion through to health and beauty and food and beverage. A 15-year commitment from Bocca Felice and a first-for-the-centre concept in Lumen tell us occupiers see long-term potential here, not just a short-term let. We're building a mix that keeps dwell time up and gives shoppers reasons to come back."
The leasing round comes against a challenging backdrop for UK shopping centres more broadly. According to BRC-Sensormatic data, UK shopping centre footfall fell 2.5% year-on-year in June 2026, extending a decline seen through the first half of the year, with total UK footfall down 3.4% over the same month (British Retail Consortium, 10 July 2026). Footfall at M The Galleries is up 4% year to date on M Core's own tracking. This is a different measure over a different period, but it points to the centre outperforming a wider market in which shopping centre visits have been under sustained pressure.
With over 125 retailers, more than 2,500 free parking spaces and ranking among the UK's top 50 performing shopping centres (Trevor Woods Associates), M The Galleries continues to attract occupiers across multiple sectors.
Sophie Faulkner, Associate Legal Director (UK) at LCP UK, part of M Core, completed these transactions on behalf of the landlord.
"These three deals show the breadth of demand we're seeing at M The Galleries, from value fashion through to health and beauty and food and beverage. A 15-year commitment from Bocca Felice and a first-for-the-centre concept in Lumen tell us occupiers see long-term potential here, not just a short-term let. We're building a mix that keeps dwell time up and gives shoppers reasons to come back."
