Go behind the entries and get to know the people, projects and organisations shortlisted for The Revo’s 2026. Discover their stories, achievements and the work making an impact across our industry.
REPURPOSING THE UPPER DECK AT GLOUCESTER QUAYS
Category
Best Repurposing & Regeneration Project
Why did you want to enter The Revo’s?
The Revo Awards are an opportunity to celebrate the projects that are redefining what retail destinations can offer. The Upper Deck redevelopment at Gloucester Quays demonstrates how a long-term vacant, commercially obsolete space can be transformed into a thriving leisure anchor that delivers tangible benefits for the entire destination. We wanted to showcase the power of collaborative investment, creative asset management, and sustainable repurposing in strengthening a destination’s long-term resilience, while sharing an example of how the industry can unlock value from existing buildings. More than that, I certainly wanted to shine a light on the brilliant work of the team around me; this project needed everyone to be on their game, and they all absolutely were.
What makes your entry standout?
The project stands out because of the extent to which it has transformed the destination; it is delivering measurable commercial, environmental, and social value. After more than 15 years without purpose, the 14,000 sq ft Upper Deck is now home to a thriving Clip ’n Climb attraction. Yes, it pays a rent and avoids service charge losses, but it does so much more, driving a 6.2% year-on-year increase in Gloucester Quays’ footfall and connecting us better with our surrounding schools, for example. It is evidence of the benefits of a reuse-first approach, retaining existing building fabric and avoiding an estimated 10-16 tonnes of embodied carbon. Beyond the numbers, our thoughtful repurposing project has broadened our audience, created jobs, strengthened neighbouring occupiers, and elevated the destination as a whole.
How do you envision the future of your industry, and how do you hope to contribute to it?
The future of retail is not just about creating compelling experiences that give people more reasons to visit and return. It’s how those experiences change perceptions, and make people feel it is more and more relevant for them. That means having a great base of traditional retail, while understanding changing customer needs and finding innovative ways to unlock the potential of existing assets. Projects such as the Upper Deck repurposing at Gloucester Quays demonstrate how collaborative investment, creative thinking, and a long-term approach to asset management can build more resilient destinations that benefit occupiers, visitors, and local communities alike.
What one word best summarises your entry?
Transformation.
THE SPINDLES, THE MARKET, THE LOOM, OLDHAM
Category
Best Repurposing & Regeneration Project
Why did you want to enter The Revo’s?
Revo is dedicated to recognising excellence across the retail, leisure and mixed use sector and promoting innovation, collaboration and achievement within the built environment. We believe that that this project really embodies these attributes and should be recognised in the The Revo’s to help showcase what’s possible to the wider industry.
What makes your entry standout?
Our entry demonstrates how retaining and adapting an existing shopping centre can deliver a vibrant civic, commercial and cultural destination. The transformation of The Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre has revitalised an underperforming retail asset in Oldham, reducing embodied carbon, extending the building’s lifespan and creating lasting social, economic and environmental value.
How do you envision the future of your industry, and how do you hope to contribute to it?
We see refurbishment and repurposing of existing assets playing an important role in the future of town centre regeneration. Our involvement in several town centre regeneration projects in recent years has given us knowledge and experience that we hope to bring to future commissions. By sharing that experience through awards like these, we also hope to encourage others to recognise the potential of town centres and high streets nationwide.
What one word best summarises your entry?
Transformation.
THE LEXICON, BRACKNELL
Category
Investment Deal of the Year
Why did you want to enter The Revo’s?
We wanted to celebrate the way in which our team were able to look beyond market sentiment, to recognise the true potential of a destination. Our acquisition of The Lexicon was driven by a clear conviction in its strong fundamentals, its position as the heart of Bracknell, and its opportunity for further growth.
At a time when sentiment towards in-town retail was cautious, we saw a successful modern destination with the potential to become even more relevant to its community. The Revo Awards provide us with an opportunity to share that vision and thinking, by demonstrating how a considered investment approach – with active asset management and a long-term vision – can create value for occupiers and visitors, and in time, the entire county.
What makes your entry standout?
Our entry stands out because we surprised the market with the acquisition using data, analysis, and gut instinct to demonstrate that the similarities to our existing portfolio were greater than the differences. The Lexicon was already a successful destination with untapped potential, and we recognised early that we were incredibly well placed to unlock that.
We have seen encouraging momentum since acquiring The Lexicon late last year, both in terms of rents and footfall, as well as brand mix. Through our leasing strategy, we are looking to build on this further, with improved connectivity throughout the destination and bring in a more diverse occupier mix and community uses, strengthening its role as Bracknell’s town centre. It is this combination of investment conviction, ability to make tangible progress, and long-term ambition that justifies the acquisition, and sets us apart from the rest.
How do you envision the future of your industry, and how do you hope to contribute to it?
We believe the future of our industry lies in creating destinations that offer more. Customer expectations continue to evolve, and town centres need to stay relevant, combining quality retail, leisure, hospitality, community experiences, and enjoyable public spaces.
We want to contribute to this evolution by protecting what already works, while enhancing the customer experience, improving connections across the town centre, and broadening our mix. By working with our occupiers, Bracknell stakeholders, and the wider community, we aim to help create a more connected, diverse, and resilient destination that continues to thrive for years to come. Our long term perspective allows us to make decisions with that in mind.
What one word best summarises your entry?
Conviction.