Edinburgh’s Fort Kinnaird plans major retail and leisure expansion

Fort Kinnaird in Edinburgh is set to expand with new retail and leisure spaces, creating jobs and enhancing the shopping experience.

Fort Kinnaird, a prominent shopping and leisure destination in Edinburgh, has unveiled ambitious plans for expansion. The proposed development aims to create a vibrant hub that caters to the diverse needs of the local community. With a focus on convenience and quality leisure options, this project promises to bring significant benefits to the area.

The expansion plans include a substantial addition of over 42,500 square feet of new retail and leisure space. This development is expected to generate more than 60 new jobsproviding a boost to the local economy. The new building will feature a 19,750 sq ft food store on the ground floor and 22,785 sq ft of leisure space on the first floor, enhancing the existing offerings at Fort Kinnaird.

Enhancing the shopping and leisure experience

The new building will be strategically located alongside Fort Kinnaird’s established leisure and food offerings, which include popular destinations such as the Odeon cinemaWagamamaand Nando’s. This expansion follows the recent refurbishment of the Eastern Terracewhich saw over 20,000 sq ft of retail space upgraded and the introduction of new stores like LushRitualsand Clintons.

Fort Kinnaird is already one of the UK’s largest retail parksspanning more than 560,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space. The new development aims to further solidify its position as a premier destination for shopping and entertainment. The project is designed to offer convenience for everyday shopping while providing a wider range of options for quality time with family and friends.

Community impact and future prospects

Liam Smith, the centre director of Fort Kinnaird, expressed enthusiasm about the project. He stated, “This is a really exciting time for us. We have no doubt the new development, if approved, will prove exceptionally popular with our visitors. It will offer convenience for everyday shopping but also more choice when spending quality time with family and friends.”

The development is not only about enhancing the shopping experience but also about creating job opportunities. Smith added, “Beyond that, we’re really proud this project will create over 60 new jobs in the local area. The development is about strengthening Fort Kinnaird as a destination for the whole community.”

Subject to planning approval, the project is expected to receive consent in Novemberwith construction anticipated to begin in January 2027 and completion targeted for January 2028. This timeline ensures that the development will be completed efficiently, minimizing disruption to the existing operations.

Fort Kinnaird is co-owned by British Landwhich has also submitted plans for a 60,000 sq ft retail and leisure expansion at Glasgow Fort. This indicates a broader strategy to enhance retail and leisure offerings across their portfolio, benefiting multiple communities.