The core proposition of retail parks, based on convenience, essential shopping and value or money, continues to position the sector strongly for the future and as a preferred retail format for both retailers, shoppers and investors alike.

Offering large units with relatively low rents and high car parking provision, retail parks have not only become the most convenient location for servicing daily shopper needs, but are also ideally suited to support omnichannel retailers offering click and collect orders, customer returns and home deliveries.

Demand for multi-unit light industrial schemes is on the rise as the growing number of small and medium-sized businesses look for convenient sites close to their customer bases and their employees, in which to expand their operations.

The flexible design of convenience real estate developments in a mixed-use setting is ideally positioned for the differing business models and space requirements of SMEs. When developed in combination with a retail park, employees benefit from the daily convenience offered by the retail park onsite, making their workplace a more lively and attractive place to work.

Self storage is a growing and underserved segment of the real estate market, supported by structural demographic trends that are driving increased demand for storage space from consumers. The European self storage market is still at an early stage of development compared to the UK and US, seeing a strong increase in total investment volumes over recent years.

Investment opportunities can be captured by targeting the repurposing of existing buildings, such as retail showrooms, industrial buildings and offices, or through new build opportunities on urban infill locations, either standalone or part of mixed-use schemes.

The increase in e-commerce sales has had a significant impact on the demand for logistics space across Europe. This surge in demand has raised the bar in terms of meeting consumer expectations for quick and timely deliveries and is driving the need for last-mile logistics bases in urban locations.

The convenience real estate model is ideal for retailers wishing to develop a hybrid retail store format which will include both front-of-the-house, consumer-facing retail and a back-of-thehouse fulfilment centre.

We work with local co-investment partners to look for existing income producing properties with strong upside potential such as under-rent situations, where we can add value through refurbishment, re-development, extension and active asset management.

We are also active in risk-mitigated new developments, where local co-investment partners can leverage our 30 years’ experience in concept definition, design, construction, leasing, bank financing, retailer relationships and exits.