Page 39 - #201 September 2025

Leisure Insight

CLICK HERE
TO VIEW VIDEO
Middle East Council of Shopping Centres & Retailers

Reimagining the

Role of the Landlord RETAIL CONGRESS MENA 2025

In this issue’s Leisure Insight, Katherine Croom,
Managing Director of Sorbon Estates, an owner,
asset manager and developer of commercial
and residential properties, offers her viewpoint
on the changing role of the landlord within
the landscape of the leisure sector. Marlow High Street, Buckinghamshire, UK TRANSFORMING RETAIL FOR IMPACT

oday’s consumers are drawn to leisure desti- acter and strong community identity have been common themes: active curation of the tenant mix,
T nations which offer meaningful connection, supported through a tenant mix which favours ongoing investment in community engagement and
engaging experiences and a strong sense of place. high-quality independent operators alongside public programming and a commitment to building
These expectations require landlords to take on a national brands. Regular events, such as artisan destinations that serve both commercial and social
more active, long-term role in shaping and man- markets, festive pop-ups and community celebra- needs. In an increasingly competitive landscape,
aging environments that reflect modern lifestyles. tions, complement the retail and leisure offering, such approaches can contribute meaningfully to the
From merely focusing on managing properties helping to drive footfall and create opportunities long-term vitality of town centres and mixed-use
and rent collecting to being an active participant for connection and shared experience. developments alike.
with a vested interest in the long-term success Public spaces play an important role in anchor - This level of landlord involvement is not just
of their destinations, the role of the landlord has ing these activities, enhancing the overall des- a matter of principle; it’s a smart commercial
evolved dramatically. In today’s leisure-driven tination and bringing the community together. strategy. Actively supporting occupiers through
landscape, landlords must adopt a destination-led Aligning leasing decisions with a broader pro- curation, marketing and placemaking, leads to
approach, curating the right mix of tenants, sup- gramme of cultural and social events contribute to stronger business performance, which in turn
porting local communities and ensuring spaces a town centre experience that is resilient, relevant drives tenant retention and longevity.
are vibrant, dynamic and relevant which means and reflective of local values. Destinations that are thoughtfully activated
getting involved in everything from marketing In Maidenhead, the Waterside Quarter devel- and tailored to their communities consistently
campaigns and events to public space enhance- opment offers another example of how placemak- outperform passive schemes, attracting higher
ments and long-term placemaking. ing and activation strategies can shape a leisure footfall, greater dwell time and deeper local
Hospitality and leisure operators, in particular destination. Designed as a mixed-use environment engagement. In a challenging market, where lei-
independent businesses, thrive in environments combining residential living with hospitality and sure operators face rising costs and evolving con-
where collaboration and flexibility are built into wellness experiences, the area has benefited from sumer behaviours, landlords must move beyond
the relationship. These tenants can bring unique regular markets, seasonal festivals and targeted the traditional lease model to share in both the 13-14 THE RITZ CARLTON
character and experiential value, but may also community programming. This has helped to foster risk and the reward. By co-creating success with OCTOBER 2025 HOTEL, DUBAI, UAE
need more support in areas such as visibility, acti - a sense of place and encourages repeat visits. tenants, landlords not only future-proof their
vation and operational sustainability. With that Striking the right balance between independ- assets but also cultivate places people truly want
in mind, landlords must act as partners, playing ent operators and established brands helps to to return to again and again.
a part in their success and aligning their vision to enhance both the character and appeal of the As the leisure landscape continues to evolve, so
create destinations that are not only commercially destination. The presence of gyms and well - must the role of the landlord. For example, the role THANK YOU #RCM2025 SPONSORS
viable but culturally and socially valuable. This ness centres responds to the rising demand for of Sorbon Estates doesn’t end when the leases
requires a more hands-on, responsive approach, health-focused leisure, attracting a broader audi- are signed, it starts there. By embracing a more
one that places people, experience and long-term ence. By offering a diverse mix of experiences hands-on, collaborative approach, landlords can
impact at the heart of their operations. within the same space, these destinations encour - help shape destinations that are vibrant, resilient DIAMOND SPONSORS PLATINUM SPONSOR GOLD SPONSORS
Examples of this more engaged approach can be age footfall, foster community connections and and built for long-term success. In doing so, they
seen in town centres such as Marlow and mixed-use support sustained engagement. create places that deliver lasting value for opera-
developments such as Waterside Quarter in Maid- While these examples demonstrate different tors, delight consumers and strengthen the com-
enhead. In Marlow, the high street’s distinct char- approaches to creating vibrant places, they share munities they serve.

SILVER SPONSORS BRONZE SPONSORS

SUPPORT PARTNERS MEDIA PARTNER

The Colonnade, Maidenhead, Berkshire UK
REGISTER NOW: RETAILCONGRESSMENA.COM
38 RETAIL & LEISURE INTERNATIONAL SEPTEMBER 2025