Bluewater has been named the best shopping centre in the UK, according to a recent study conducted by online car-buying site, Cinch. The study took a unique approach by analyzing factors such as the size of the shopping centre, parking fees, the number of stores and restaurants, and the availability of parking spaces. These factors were deemed crucial in attracting more consumers to the malls.
Bluewater, located in Kent, scored the highest number of points in the study, making it the top-ranked shopping centre in the country. It was 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 Christmas approaching and nearly 46 million UK adults planning to buy gifts, shopping malls are expected to be popular destinations.
One of the reasons why Bluewater stood out in the study was its impressive number of parking spaces. It offers a staggering 13,000 parking spots, making it the shopping centre with the most generous car park in the UK. Meadowhall also received recognition for its 12,000 parking bays, while Lakeside came in third with 11,857 spots. The Trafford Centre in Greater Manchester also offers around 11,500 parking spaces, making it a convenient choice for drivers.
The availability of free parking was another important factor. Out of the 20 shopping centres analyzed, seven offered free parking, including Bluewater, Meadowhall, Lakeside, Trafford Centre, Metrocentre, Merry Hill, and Braehead. On the other hand, St James Quarter in Edinburgh was found to have the most expensive car park on the list, charging £14 for a four-hour stay. Liverpool One and Manchester Arndale also charged high parking fees, at £12.50 and £12.20, respectively.
The size of the shopping centre also played a significant role in the rankings. This is why both Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City made it onto the list. The Westfield London mall in Shepherd’s Bush is the largest shopping complex in the UK, covering 2.4 million square feet. Westfield Stratford, its sister mall, spans approximately 1.9 million square feet, making it the third-largest shopping centre in the country.
When considering the number of stores and restaurants, the Westfield centres in London came out on top. Westfield London in Shepherd’s Bush has 391 stores, while Stratford has 301. Meadowhall and Bluewater closely follow with 267 stores each. On the other end of the spectrum, St James Quarter in Edinburgh had the least variety, with only 94 shops, followed by Cabot Circus in Bristol with 110.
Overall, the study by Cinch provides valuable insights into the factors that contribute to the success and appeal of shopping centres. Bluewater’s high ranking can be attributed to its ample parking space and free parking policy. The study also emphasizes the importance of shopping centre size and the variety of stores and restaurants available. As the Christmas shopping season approaches, these findings can help consumers make informed choices about where to shop and enjoy their retail experience.
Useful links:
1. Bluewater Shopping Centre
2. Westfield London
