A recent article by Erica Rees, Chief Operating Officer at Region Group, first published in SCN magazine’s Big Guns 2026 edition, explored the growing role of retail and multi-role service hubs and how neighbourhood centres are evolving to meet the changing needs of local communities.
The article points to the increasing importance of centres that extend beyond traditional retail, bringing together everyday shopping, healthcare, fitness, childcare, dining and professional services within a single destination.
At Retail Projex, we see this as an important evolution in neighbourhood centre strategy. As customer expectations continue to shift towards convenience and accessibility, centres that provide multiple reasons to visit are often better positioned to drive repeat visitation and long-term relevance.
For owners and asset managers, this reinforces the importance of a carefully curated tenancy mix. Successful centres are increasingly those that balance traditional retail with complementary services that support the day-to-day needs of the surrounding community.
Retail and multi-role service hubs are not simply a trend. They represent a continued evolution in how neighbourhood centres create value for customers, retailers and asset owners alike.
Source: SCN magazine – Big Guns 2026 edition
Article by Erica Rees, Chief Operating Officer, Region Group
