Since its inception the BCSC has sought to promote the profile and significance of the retail property industry within the United Kingdom. As part of this work we are delighted to introduce the results of what we hope will be an annual survey of all retail-led pipeline development projects, from proposal phase through to completion and opening. We hope the result will not only be of interest to those working in the retail development sector but will also reinforce the significance of the retail property industry to the UK economy. This study has been previously published as a poster showing the full list of the schemes in alphabetical order. This information is now available on-line as a searchable index. The database covers schemes that are over 5,000 sqm in total gross leasable retail floor space, which once completed, will be under single management control. The study has been compiled for BCSC by Lunson Mitchenall.

The Whats in the Pipeline database can be searched by selecting the search criteria from the menu below:

	Name / Location		Current Status
	Size of Development		Planned Opening
	Anchor Store(s)		Organisations Involved

This type of research has been carried out by numerous organisations and individuals over the years and the focus has tended to concentrate only on the total amount of floor space in the pipeline at a given point intime. However, our research also tracks the amount of time it takes for a new idea to become a physical reality. Other research by the BCSC has shown that the development process from inception to opening now takes, on average, some 11 years. Flexible mixed-used space is another key area included here; indeed, as demonstrated within this schedule, the largest and some extensive mixed-use schemes will have phased openings stretching into the 2020’s.

This is the most comprehensive survey of its type, reflecting key industry trends. It reveals that the total retail development floor area is approximately 4,700,000sqm, with the total commercial development area being somewhat larger. Despite the fact this may seem a large area, it is important to note that the majority of this potential retail development is being planned in response to what is perceived as future market needs. However, out of this overall total, there is currently only about 1,550,000 sqm actually being built, with approximately another 1,250,000 sqm with planning consent of some form. It will therefore be sometime before all the schemes listed in this first survey actually open to the public.

We hope that those who did not respond this year feel able to do so next year and those who have not been included or did not receive a direct request for information will register with the BCSC to be included inthe circulation list next time. Ultimately we hope that this will become the definitive guide to retail-led development in the United Kingdom.

If you would like a hard copy of the survey results, these can be obtained via the publications section of the BCSC website: Download pdf of Whats in the Pipeline poster Order hard copy of Whats in the Pipeline poster