centre:mk celebrates a trio of F&B openings following a successful year of brand investments
centre:mk, one of the top 10 retail and leisure destinations in the UK, has announced a trio of openings for leading national and multinational F&B brands.
Bill’s has opened its 3,500 sq ft store on the corner of centre:mk’s Queens Court and Silbury Arcade. As Bill’s first new location in six years, this latest opening in Milton Keynes marks a significant milestone for the Richard Carding-backed group, with further plans to grow the all day dining concept in 2025 and beyond.
Joining Bill’s is Cornish Bakery, the independent bakery concept, which has opened its 2,650 sq ft regional debut on Deer Walk. With seating for up to 82 people, it stands out as the company’s largest bakery opening this year. Completing the trio, Starbucks has launched its upsized 2,800 sq ft space on Queens Court, as it recommits and invests in the destination.
These three key openings are part of a broader wave of investments this year, with 20 brands opening or reinvesting in centre:mk, totalling almost 150,000 sq ft of space.
Kevin Duffy, centre:mk’s Centre Director, commented: "The opening of Bill’s, Cornish Bakery and Starbucks relocation draws 2024 to a brilliant close. Not only does it strengthen the dynamic lineup of dining options we have curated at centre:mk, but the commitment demonstrated from these leading national and multinational operators further cements our reputation as a key regional destination."
Tom James, Bill’s Managing Director, added: “As our first new opening in six years, we are looking ahead to the new year and beyond with great excitement for the next stage of growth for the business. We have long been eyeing up Milton Keynes with its strong regional catchment and centre:mk encapsulates everything we are looking for in a location.”
This announcement follows the news that centre:mk has recently celebrated a successful year of retail investment, highlighted by the opening of SpaceNK's new 1,721 sq ft store. Other leading retail brands to have joined centre:mk this year include Mint Velvet, Castore, Goldsmiths, and Office, further reinforcing centre:mk as one of the UK’s top 10 retail destinations.