King’s Cross sales jump in festive trading boost

The King’s Cross estate has posted surges in sales and visitor numbers for December on the back of a strong Christmas trading period. Sales across the district’s retail and leisure offer, which includes Coal Drops Yard, rose by 16% year-on-year in December, while footfall surged by 50%. Sales in December were up by 30% compared with pre-pandemic trading for the same month in 2019. Related Argent has been carrying out a leasing strategy for the retail offer, which accounts for some 450,000 sq ft of the 8m sq ft scheme. Its objectives include incorporating more leisure, food and beverage, and wet-led offers. James Rayner, head of retail at King’s Cross, told EG that 2023 was a “great year” for King’s Cross. “The F&B sector in particular is continuing to grow, with German Gymnasium having its best month ever since opening in 2015,” he said. Rayner added that some “exciting” new retail and F&B occupiers will be added to the estate’s line-up, as part of its strategy to bring in “more accessible, affordable and recognisable” brands. Image © Related Argent