Rental operator Get Living has revealed its first confirmed retail brands at its £500 million new town centre at Elephant and Castle, The Elephant.

Launching in late 2026, The Elephant will be among the largest new retail-led town centre openings in Zone 1 in recent years. 

The opening brands have been curated to “combine best-in-class national brands with distinctive independents,” according to the company. 

M&S is set to open a new fresh market-style food store at the location, offering fresh produce, everyday essentials and a range of on the go breakfast, lunch and dinner choices. 

A dedicated click and collect point will also allow the retailer’s customers to collect their fashion, home and beauty online orders.

Additionally, coffeehouse chain Blank Street Coffee will open at the site in the summer ahead of its main launch, while health-focused café Jungle Berry will offer a “sustainable, wellness-led menu”.

Alongside a new cinema at the location, Latin food market DistriAndina, which currently trades locally from the arches, will move to The Elephant.

The town centre will offer around 40 new shopping, dining, wellness and leisure experiences in total from late 2026.

The Elephant will deliver 485 new rental homes alongside 135,000 sq ft of shops, dining, wellness and leisure uses, with 55,000 sq ft of workspace and a range of retail units offered to local traders at discount market rent.

The town centre is forecast to rank within the top 4% of all capital retail destinations, with retail property consultants CACI projecting an annual spend of over £200 million. In addition, 16 million annual footfall is expected at the location.

The Elephant senior director Aidan Malia said: “The Elephant’s debut line-up of retailers marks a major milestone for Elephant & Castle. 

“It is a huge boost for the local community and a definitive vote of confidence in south London’s retail & leisure future and our vision for The Elephant. 

“As we set a new benchmark for town centre regeneration, our ambition is to shape a destination where global brands sit alongside evolving and independent retailers, offering something for everyone, serving Elephant & Castle’s beautifully multicultural local community while presenting an experimental mix that drives new visitors to the area.” 

M&S property director Will Smith said: “Our new store will bring the best of M&S Food to residents and commuters in Elephant & Castle. 

“We have an exciting pipeline of new stores across the capital and we’re looking for sites where we can deliver the best products and the best possible shopping experience for our customers – we have the opportunity to do just that at The Elephant. 

“Work will start in the coming months and we will keep the community updated on opening date.”

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