The Revo’s 2024 Winners
Best Asset Management Initiative
Midsummer Place
Ellandi, now a part of NewRiver REIT, has successfully revitalised Midsummer Place, transforming it from a struggling asset with nearly 50% vacancy to a vibrant destination for retail, leisure, and dining. With over £20 million committed for regeneration, the team implemented a strategic approach focused on stabilising income, renewing leases, and curating an appealing tenant mix. Notable achievements include the transformation of the Boulevard into a bustling food hub with local and national operators, resulting in a significant increase in footfall and net operating income. The innovative redevelopment has repositioned the centre, fostering community engagement through initiatives like the ‘Hatch’ project and partnerships with local enterprises.
Sponsored by.
ESG Excellence
Grand Arcade – Let’s Go Circular
The “Let’s Go Circular” campaign focused on the Circular Economy, collaborating with 50 organisations to offer 36 workshops, five pop-ups, and a fashion show supporting refugees. With significant media coverage, the campaign attracted over 344,000 visitors in October 2023, showcasing a 6% increase year-on-year. More than just an event, LGC has evolved into a year-round initiative that empowers sustainable consumption, featuring engaging community events like “The Good Fashion Show.”
Rising Star
Gina Colley, Threesixty Architecture & Chantal Taylor, Wellington Square
Gina Colley’s entry stood out for its vibrancy and significant impact on the industry. The judges praised her innovative collaborations and creative approaches to addressing some of the sector’s most pressing challenges. Each judge noted the clarity and structure of her submission, making it easy to follow and appreciate the depth of thought behind her initiatives. Chantal Taylor’s entry was equally lauded for its outstanding quality and inspirational impact. The judges highlighted her ability to execute local campaigns that rival international standards while working within a tight budget. The judges also emphasised her dedication to creating an attractive, inclusive, and enjoyable environment for the community, illustrating her commitment to going above and beyond for local residents.
Sponsored by
Technology Innovation
Printworks
Printworks Manchester’s £27 million refurbishment, owned and managed by DTZ Investors, has set a new standard in experiential leisure, showcasing innovation through advanced AV and LED display technologies. Central to this transformation is a groundbreaking 1,000m² LED ceiling, the largest in Europe, which enhances the ambiance and significantly elevates live events and brand activations, creating a unique visitor experience.
Sponsored by
Occupier of the Year
Lone Design Club
Lone Design Club (LDC) has revolutionised retail by transforming traditional shopping into immersive experiences that prioritise engagement and support for emerging brands. Through strategic collaborations with key partners, LDC revitalised underutilised retail spaces, driving footfall and enhancing customer satisfaction while maintaining a strong commitment to social value.
Independent Operator of the Year
Indirock, The Victoria Square
Indirock is a social enterprise bouldering gym and coffee shop in Southend-on-Sea, run as a family-oriented, not-for-profit business dedicated to the local community. Since opening, Indirock has achieved significant milestones: over 20,000 community members, nearly 1,000 soft play sessions for young children, and extensive outreach with schools and charities. Their Youth Squad nurtures young athletes, and the gym hosts competitions that attract climbers nationwide.
Team of the Year
St John’s Centre, Liverpool
A deserving winner for its exceptional response to a major crisis, the unexpected closures of Wilko and St Johns Market, which left 60% of the upper mall unoccupied and caused a 25% drop in footfall. Through innovative marketing and strong community partnerships, they reversed the decline and welcomed an additional 700,000 shoppers by year-end. Their collaborative spirit fostered close relationships with retailers and strengthened the sense of community, making St Johns Centre a shining example of teamwork overcoming adversity.
Best Community Initiative
Centre:MK – The Place Between
In 2023, as the headline sponsor of the Milton Keynes International Festival, Centre:MK commissioned “The Place Between,” a world-class, immersive art installation that united the local community. Over 1,400 volunteers and 70 retailers contributed to the project, which transformed a shopping environment into a space of emotional reflection and creativity. The installation not only enhanced footfall and PR for Centre but also deepened community pride and fostered a lasting connection between people and the places they inhabit.
Sponsored by
Best Marketing Campaign of the Year – Large
Cribbs Causeway – Cribbs & Me
The winner of the large marketing category, ‘The Cribbs and Me App,’ demonstrated the success of a loyalty app when done right. The campaign was innovative, effectively linking research and insights to budget investment and measurable results. With a data-driven approach, strong creative execution, and clear long-term value, the judges were impressed by its potential. They look forward to seeing how the app continues to support sales growth and drive customer loyalty.
Best Marketing Campaign of the Year – Medium
Grand Arcade – Grand Discoveries
The winner of the medium marketing category, ‘Grand Arcade, Grand Discoveries,’ exemplifies placemaking at its finest. This unique and sophisticated event felt truly authentic to the centre’s location, while also appealing to an international and tourist audience. Engaging, educational and supported by an impressive range and calibre of stakeholders and sponsors, the campaign delivered outstanding results with lasting impact. The judges were particularly struck by its long-term potential.
Best Marketing Campaign of the Year – Shoestring
The Harpur Centre – Wishing Tree
The winner of the small marketing category delivered a tried-and-tested initiative with remarkable success, all on a shoestring budget! The campaign made a significant impact on the local community showcasing the true impact a destination can make on its surroundings. Tenant sales benefited positively, which was testament to strong brand relationships and engagement. The judges were particularly impressed by the ESG efforts, and the outreach to stakeholders and charities across Bedfordshire. Coordinating such a wide range of stakeholders was handled brilliantly.
Best Repurposing & Placemaking Project
Merry Hill
Merry Hill’s transformation into a vibrant leisure quarter represents a strategic response to evolving consumer preferences, aimed at enhancing the shopping experience by integrating family-friendly leisure and dining options. With a £12 million investment in the leisure area, highlighted by the successful opening of Hollywood Bowl, the development has led to a 5.4% increase in footfall and a 4.8% rise in sales, with over half attributed directly to new tenants. The project also included significant public realm improvements, such as sustainable car park upgrades and better pedestrian connectivity, supported by an additional £50 million investment.
Sponsored by
Best Long-Term Regeneration Initiative
St James Quarter
St James Quarter, Edinburgh’s largest urban regeneration project in a generation, has set a new standard for mixed-use developments in Europe by seamlessly integrating retail, leisure, dining, and residential spaces within a UNESCO World Heritage site. This vibrant destination has attracted over 43 million visitors since its opening in June 2021, boasting a diverse array of iconic brands, including John Lewis and Lego, and achieving over £651 million in gross turnover. With a strong focus on sustainability, community engagement, and innovative design, such as the FUSE academy for local employment, St James Quarter exemplifies how future urban developments can enhance city life while fostering economic growth and resilience.
Sponsored by
ESG Excellence
Highly Commended
Lush
Lush’s Glasgow flagship store is a remarkable embodiment of sustainability and community engagement, exemplifying their commitment to leaving the world “Lusher than we found it.” Key environmental features include rainwater harvesting, air-source heat pumps, and recycled materials, showcasing a pioneering approach to eco-friendly design. The store also integrates community-focused initiatives, such as partnering with local businesses and hosting inclusive events, while maintaining ethical employment practices, including paying the Real Living Wage.
Best Repurposing & Placemaking Project
Highly Commended
Ffos Caerffili, South Wales
This initiative, funded by the local authority, aligns with the Caerphilly 2035 Masterplan, which aims to transform the area into a renowned tourism destination and a vibrant community asset. Since opening in April 2024, the market has successfully addressed key objectives of the plan by enhancing public engagement, promoting local businesses, and prioritising sustainability. Its strategic location near Caerphilly Castle and the railway station has attracted increased footfall, with the market already becoming a hub for both locals and visitors. The thoughtful design, which includes features like green roofs, rain gardens, and energy-efficient insulation, sets a new standard for future developments in the area.
Sponsored by