The closing down signs at one of Bluewater’s anchor stores — House of Fraser — have been in place for some time and now we know who’s moving in — Next.

As HoF prepares to exit the Kent supermall, Next will significantly grow its presence there by tripling its footprint at the shopping centre. 

Landlord Landsec said the retailer “will relocate into one of its largest stores in the UK as brands increasingly look to invest in the best locations”. 

Next is upsizing from its existing 44,600 sq ft store into a 133,000 sq ft space currently occupied by the Frasers Group-owned department store chain. The expansion will allow Next to offer an enhanced product range inside a “state-of-the-art store [that] will support Next’s omnichannel strategy while enabling unique customer experiences”.

It will feature men’s, women’s and childrenswear alongside homewares and a café. It will also relocate the American-based global beauty brand Bath and Body Works (for which Next has the local license), into a 2,000 sq ft neighbouring store.

The upsized Next follows 12 new lettings and five upsizes at the centre in the last six months, with brands including Sephora (opening on Tuesday), Pull & Bear, Aesop and Bershka opening before the end of the year. Bluewater is jointly owned by Landsec, M&G, Royal London and Schroders.

Pablo Sueiras, Head of Brand Account Management at Landsec said: “The best brands are investing in bigger, better stores in prime locations. Next is at the forefront of retail innovation which has made it one of the most in demand brands among consumers. [Its] new store will transform a department store into a new destination within Bluewater and enhance the shopping experience for the millions of guests who visit each year.”