A major retailer will be moving out of its unit on the Bath Road after months of rumours about the shop's future.

Now SEGRO, the owner and manager of the Slough Trading Estate, who bought the Bath Road Retail Park in January for £120.25million made the announcement that Next is to move on Monday, December 18.

Next has agreed a new five-year lease, moving out of the mostly vacant western side of the park and moving to the eastern side. 

In its new store within the old Argos store on the eastern side of the Bath Road Retail Park, Next will be joining B&Q, Tapi Carpets, Boots and Carpetright to ensure the eastern side of the park is fully occupied.

Next has been an occupier within the retail park since April 2007.

As of February 2024, Next will move into its new 10,000 sq ft store, which is being fitted out.

Jo Jackson, Thames Valley Director at SEGRO, said: “With the lease at the point of expiry and a vacant unit of a similar size available in the eastern part of the Bath Road Retail Park, there was an opportunity for Next to relocate to a more prominent position alongside the other retailers where there is more footfall."

The Bath Road Retail Park includes 10 retail warehouse units, five of which are currently vacant and the leases for the occupied units expire between 2024 and 2028.  

SEGRO say they are still exploring options for both the soon to be fully vacant western side of the park in the short term and the long-term future of the overall development.