Fosse Park
Shopping Center | Leicester | England | United Kingdom
Shopping center near Leicester
The Fosse Park Shopping Centre in Leicester, England, is one of the largest and most well-known out-of-town shopping centers in the UK, located on the southern edge of the city near the M1 motorway. It was opened in 1989 by the London & Edinburgh Trust and now covers a retail area of approximately 58,000 square meters, making it one of the most significant retail sites in the country. The center is situated in a mixed area of industrial and commercial developments and is part of a larger retail complex that also includes Fosse Park West and Fosse Park South. It is one of about 20 retail parks owned by the Crown Estate, which holds a 50% stake, while the other half belongs to the Chinese investment company Ginkgo Tree Investment. Each year, Fosse Park attracts millions of visitors and is particularly popular due to its size and diverse offerings.
Fosse Park dining options
Fosse Park features over 40 stores that cover a wide range of retail offerings. Major providers include big brands like Marks & Spencer, Next, Primark, and Boots, as well as specialized retailers like TK Maxx, JD Sports, H&M, Levi’s, Nike, Skechers, River Island, and Sports Direct. In the southern part of the park, there are also large stores like Argos, Oak Furnitureland, ScS, and a Currys PC World Megastore, focusing on furniture and electronics. The offerings range from fashion and footwear to sports equipment and household goods, making the center suitable for both everyday shopping and special needs. A unique feature is the combination of traditional retail shops and a modern expansion area that was completed in 2021.
Parking facilities at Fosse Park
A significant expansion of the center began in April 2019 and was completed in April 2021. This £168 million project, carried out by Bowmer + Kirkland, added approximately 13,000 square meters of new retail and restaurant space. The new area, known as Fosse Park West and Food Central, was built on the former site of the Everards Brewery and integrates historical elements such as whiskey barrels and a mash tun into the design of the outdoor areas. Food Central is a modern food court with over 25 dining options, including well-known names like Five Guys, Greggs, and McDonald's, offering a variety of international and British cuisine. This expansion has not only enlarged the center but also enhanced its appeal as a leisure destination.
Out of town shopping centers UK
The architecture of Fosse Park is typical of an out-of-town retail park, featuring spacious, open areas with a focus on functionality. The new areas have been enhanced with aesthetic and sustainable elements, including five external and three internal "Living Walls" – green walls with a total of over 12,000 plants – designed by Biotecture to improve the shopping experience through a connection to nature. A particularly challenging aspect was selecting plants for the interior walls, which needed to withstand temperature fluctuations between 0 °C in winter and strong sunlight in summer. These green features reflect the history of the site and create an inviting atmosphere.
Retail locations in Leicester
Fosse Park is easily accessible and offers over 3,100 free parking spaces, including charging stations for electric vehicles and accessible spots, making it particularly attractive for drivers. It is served by several bus lines, including Arriva Midlands, Novus Fosse, First Leicester, and Centrebus, ensuring connections from Leicester and the suburbs. The center has received the Park Mark "Safer Parking" Award for over ten years, underscoring its safety standards. Its proximity to the M1 and M69 motorways, as well as the A5460, facilitates access from the region and beyond.
Throughout its history, Fosse Park has changed ownership several times: in 1997, Pillar Property purchased both halves of the park for a total of £112.5 million and unified them. In 2005, it was sold to Reit Asset Management for £308 million, and in 2006, it was acquired by Irish investors for £360 million. Rental prices rose from £11 per square foot at its opening in 1989 to £105 per square foot in 2010, making Fosse Park the most expensive retail park in the UK. This development reflects the economic success and high demand for space in the center.
