The financial terms of the deal were not made public. Credit: Clare Louise Jackson via Shutterstock.

Frasers Group, the owner of Sports Direct, has acquired the Frenchgate Centre, a major shopping complex in Doncaster’s city centre, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) reported.

The move signifies Frasers Group’s commitment to investing in physical retail spaces and reinvigorating high streets across the UK.

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The financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed. 

According to the BBC, Frasers Group CEO Michael Murray, a Doncaster native, highlighted the purchase as a demonstration of the company’s belief in the future of physical retail.

“The acquisition of Frenchgate Centre in Doncaster further demonstrates the group’s commitment to investing in bricks and mortar,” said Murray.

“We are committed to reinventing retail and injecting new life into high streets across the UK to bring the very best brands, environment, and experience to customers across the country.”

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The acquisition allows Frasers Group to expand its existing Sports Direct store within the complex and introduce other group brands such as USC and Evans Cycles.

This strategic move strengthens the group’s presence in the Doncaster market and broadens the retail offering for local consumers.

Boost for Doncaster’s city centre

The BBC noted the news of the acquisition has been met with enthusiasm by Doncaster Chamber, a local business advocacy group. 

Doncaster Chamber’s vice-president Jim Carley sees the investment as a positive development for the city centre, with the potential to increase occupancy rates within Frenchgate and thereby attract more visitors.

“It’s very, very positive. It’s always great to have new investment into Doncaster and hopefully it’ll create a lot of opportunity for the city centre, in terms of the potential for increases in unit occupancy at the Frenchgate [Centre] as well as visitor footfall,” said Carley.

Frenchgate Centre: A retail hub with history

Originally opened in 1968 as the Arndale Centre, Frenchgate has undergone significant expansion, including a major extension integrated with a new transport interchange in 2006. 

The centre boasts major brands such as Next, H&M, and TK Maxx, with the former Debenhams space currently undergoing transformation into a cinema complex.

The acquisition by Frasers Group marks a new chapter for the Frenchgate Centre, potentially shaping the future of retail in Doncaster city centre. 

While online shopping continues to grow, Frasers Group’s investment demonstrates a continued belief in the power of physical retail experiences, particularly when strategically positioned and well-managed.