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Despite a challenging retail and consumer environment, the year marked the first full year of Michelle Menezes as Centre Director and a period of renewed momentum for the shopping centre.
Since her appointment, the centre’s priorities have focused on proactive asset management, closer retailer engagement and supporting reinvestment, positioning Highcross as a resilient regional destination at a time when many retailers are becoming increasingly cautious about where they invest.
Making their debut in the city and the East Midlands were new arrivals including Mango, Wingstop, Maki & Ramen and Space NK. While others joining the line-up included Rituals, Superdrug and Nomination, Austen & Blake and the return of Bill’s Restaurant.
In parallel with new lettings, existing occupiers continued to invest in their space. During 2025, H&M completed a significant store revamp, while several retailers undertook refits, upsizes or refurbishments, and signalling confidence in the centre’s long-term trading performance.
"My first year has been about getting the fundamentals right - listening to our retailers and shoppers, supporting their performance and ensuring the centre is well placed for long-term success.
In a challenging market, retailers are rightly selective about where they invest. Our focus has been on creating the right environment in terms of space, experience and partnerships to offer a commercially sustainable destination, and it’s encouraging to see that reflected in both new lettings and continued reinvestment."
Michelle Menezes, Centre Director, Highcross Leicester
The year also saw continued investment in the fabric of the centre itself, beginning with the appointment of a new centre director, its first brand refresh in a number of years, and work on a major entrance redevelopment that will nod to the city’s textiles heritage, designed to improve accessibility, visibility of nearby retailers and the overall visitor experience once complete.
Against a backdrop of cost pressures and cautious consumer spending across the sector, Highcross has focused on maintaining leasing momentum by adapting its offer and supporting occupiers through a combination of targeted investment, placemaking and experience-led activity.
Michelle added:
"There’s no doubt the retail and leisure industries have faced real challenges over the past year. However, Highcross has shown that well-located centres with a clear strategy, and diverse selection of exciting brands, can feel optimistic about what’s around the corner. Our ambition for 2026 is to build on the progress we’ve made, introducing even more retailers on our shoppers’ wish lists, and keep moving forward."