A brief history

How Brent Cross became a leading shopping centre

Breaking the mould

Brent Cross was the first large enclosed shopping centre to be built in the UK. When it first opened in 1976, everyone was sure it wouldn’t last! And the idea of opening until 8pm weeknights was truly revolutionary. Remember, in 1976 most shops still closed half days during the week, banks closed at 3pm and almost no-one worked past 5pm.

But Brent Cross met a need for shopping people wanted, when and where they wanted it, and took the idea of customer service into the 20th century. For more than twenty-five years it has been at the heart of the community, meeting the shopping needs of the 7 million people who live within its catchment area.

Extended, refurbished

Brent Cross is bigger now, of course, as it was extended and refurbished in 1995, although it’s still very easy to get around. Its 110 stores and cafes compare favourably to the 75 shops with which it opened, although it’s good to see just how many of the original retailers are still in the centre. John Lewis, Fenwick, Marks & Spencer, Boots, WH Smith, Dixons, Mothercare, Russell & Bromley and Benetton are just some of the shops which have been at Brent Cross throughout.

Brent Cross’ owners – Hammerson and Standard Life – continually invest in the fabric of the centre, helping keep it at the forefront of British retailing. The latest part of the programme of refurbishment is the main toilets, on which £500,000 is being spent to modernise them and make them even more user-friendly.