Braehead Shopping Centre
Shopping Center | Renfrew | Scotland | United Kingdom
Shopping center in Scotland with entertainment
The Braehead Shopping Centre in Renfrew, Scotland, is one of the leading shopping and leisure destinations in the country, located on the southern bank of the River Clyde, not far from Glasgow. It opened on September 21, 1999, and spans a retail space of approximately 98,500 square meters, making it one of the largest covered shopping centers in Scotland. Built on the former site of the Braehead Power Station and the historic King's Inch island, which was situated in the River Clyde until the 18th century, the center marks the transformation of the region from an industrial past to a modern commercial and entertainment hub. It is part of the larger Renfrew Riverside development project, which in turn is part of the comprehensive Clyde Waterfront regeneration program. Each year, Braehead attracts millions of visitors and was named the best shopping center in Scotland in a GlobalData report in 2018.
Best shopping options in Renfrew
The shopping center hosts over 110 stores, offering a wide range of retail options. Major retailers include well-known brands such as Marks & Spencer, Primark, Next, Boots, New Look, and Sainsbury’s, as well as international names like Apple, Pandora, Swarovski, and JD Sports. The offerings include fashion, jewelry, technology, beauty products, and household goods, making the center suitable for both everyday shopping and special retail needs. In addition to the stores within the main building, there is an adjacent retail park with larger stores, including an IKEA, which opened in September 2001 and is the largest of its kind in Scotland at 29,000 square meters. This variety makes Braehead a magnet for shoppers from the region and beyond.
Family-friendly attractions at the shopping center
The entertainment options at Braehead include a cinema with 12 screens, an indoor ski slope with real snow, climbing walls, adventure golf, laser tag, and trampolines. This combination of shopping and leisure makes Braehead particularly appealing to families and day-trippers.
Dining options at Braehead shopping center
The dining options in the center are also diverse. The food court offers over 20 choices, including fast-food chains like McDonald's, KFC, and Subway, as well as sit-down restaurants like Five Guys, Prezzo, and Filling Station. Additionally, XSite provides further dining options ranging from quick snacks to more upscale meals. This selection ensures that visitors can enhance their stay with culinary experiences, making the center a place for longer visits.
Accessibility of Braehead shopping center
The architecture of the Braehead Shopping Centre is modern and functional, featuring spacious covered walkways illuminated by natural light. It is situated directly on the banks of the Clyde River and is surrounded by water, giving it a unique location. The transport links are excellent: it is easily accessible via the M8 motorway and has extensive bus connections to cities like Glasgow, Paisley, Erskine, Johnstone, Greenock, and Largs. A dedicated bus station facilitates access by public transport, while over 6,500 free parking spaces are available for drivers. Until October 2007, a ferry service called "Pride of the Clyde" operated between Glasgow City Centre and Braehead, but it was discontinued. A new road bridge between Renfrew and Yoker, scheduled for completion in 2024, will further improve accessibility.
Throughout its history, Braehead has undergone several changes. From 2013 to 2020, it was known as "Intu Braehead" as part of a rebranding by then-owners Intu Properties plc. Following Intu's insolvency in 2020, a subsidiary, Intu SGS, took control, with Global Mutual as asset manager and Savills as property manager. The center has also tested innovations, such as full-body security scanners at the entrance in 2020. Between 1999 and 2010, it housed the Scottish Maritime Museum "Clydebuilt," which focused on the history of shipbuilding on the Clyde before it was closed.
However, Merry Hill has also impacted the region. It is often blamed for the decline of retail in nearby towns like Paisley, Govan, and Renfrew, as it attracts shoppers from these areas. Nevertheless, it remains an economic engine and a popular meeting place. It regularly hosts events, including seasonal festivals and activities for children, to engage the community. A historical curiosity is the former monorail that operated between the center and The Waterfront from 1991 to 1996 but was discontinued due to technical issues.
