In a groundbreaking analysis by Cinch, Bluewater emerges as the premier shopping destination among the 20 largest centres in the UK. Cinch takes a unique approach, delving into factors such as centre size, parking fees, store and restaurant count, and available parking spaces – all pivotal in attracting consumers.
Bluewater in Kent claims the top spot, scoring the highest points, followed by Meadowhall in Sheffield, Metrocentre in Gateshead, Lakeside in Essex, Trafford Centre in Manchester, Merry Hill in Dudley, Westfield London, Westfield Stratford City, Braehead in Renfrew, and centre:mk in Milton Keynes.
With the holiday season approaching, studies predict nearly 46 million UK adults will spend an estimated £27.6 billion on Christmas presents, making shopping centres crucial destinations.
What sets Bluewater apart? Sam Sheehan, Cinch’s motoring editor, highlights, “Bluewater hosts an impressive 13,000 parking spaces, making it the country’s shopping centre with the most generous car park. No matter how packed it gets, you’ll always find a free parking spot.”
Meadowhall also earns praise, boasting a substantial 12,000 parking bays, followed closely by Lakeside with 11,857 spots. Trafford Centre in Greater Manchester is another driver-friendly destination, offering about 11,500 parking spaces.
Free parking emerges as a significant factor, with seven out of the 20 analysed centres offering this benefit, including Bluewater, Meadowhall, Lakeside, Trafford Centre, Metrocentre, Merry Hill, and Braehead.
However, not all centres offer cost-free parking. St James Quarter in Edinburgh leads with a £14 charge for a four-hour stay, making it the most expensive car park on the list. Liverpool One and Manchester Arndale also rank high in parking costs, charging £12.50 and £12.20, respectively.
Centre size plays a crucial role, with Westfield London securing its place as the largest shopping complex in the country, spanning over 2.4 million sq ft. Westfield Stratford City, covering about 1.9 million sq ft, comes in as the third-largest shopping centre in the UK.
When it comes to store and restaurant numbers, the Westfield centres in London lead the way, with Westfield London in Shepherd’s Bush hosting 391 and Stratford 301. Meadowhall and Bluewater both boast 267.
In contrast, St James Quarter in Edinburgh (94) and Cabot Circus in Bristol (110) offer a more curated selection of shops and restaurants.
Explore the diverse landscape of UK shopping centres and plan your festive shopping experience with Cinch’s insightful study.
