Introduction
We are pleased to introduce this comprehensive guide to Kew Retail Park, a unique shopping facility in Richmond upon Thames that offers convenience, choice, and value in one easily accessible location. Whether you are a local resident, visiting London’s south-west suburbs, or just planning a shopping trip, we will take you through everything you need to know about the site-from its location and store mix through transport links and visitor tips to redevelopment prospects.
Location & Overview
Kew Retail Park is situated at Bessant Drive, Richmond TW9 4AD, United Kingdom, serving a substantial catchment throughout southwest London.
The scheme extends to approximately 139,200 square feet and is one of the larger retail parks within the locale.
It is anchored by major stores including Marks & Spencer (77,000 sq ft) as well as others such as Next, TK Maxx and Gap.
Completely Retail
It is also highly rated for having free parking on-site, ease of access to and from the park and stores that include fashion, homeware, plus many others.
Why Kew Retail Park is shoppers’ favourite
Convenience & space: The provision of large surface car parking and the ease of vehicular access means that the site is laid out to accommodate a relaxed shopping trip, not the hustle of central London high streets. Visitors routinely comment positively on the ease of parking and the one-stop nature of the destination.
Diverse store mix: From premium food & clothing to home goods, Kew Retail Park offers a broad retail offering.
The park is easy to reach, set within a strong residential catchment area that enjoys good transport infrastructure, including bus routes via Transport for London into Richmond and its surrounding neighborhoods.
Lifestyle destination: Aside from pure retail, the park has developed an environment comfortable for families, for car-based visitors, and those who combine shopping with a brief outing. The spacious layout allows and enables a more relaxed pace.
Getting there & visitor tips
By Car: Easy to reach from the A316/A307 corridors. Car parking is generous, and — according to visitor reviews — free for as many as several hours, commuter-friendly.
By bus and public transport: Several bus services run close by, including the TfL stop “Kew Retail Park” which gives useful connectivity.
The best time to visit would be mid-morning, preferably on weekdays, and you will have a far better experience with lesser crowds. Most Sundays have shorter hours, like opening at 11:00.
Food & refreshment: While the retail park excels in shopping, visitors note that dining options are limited, so you may want to plan ahead for refreshments.
Transport zones / ULEZ: If you travel by car, check whether your vehicle meets the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) or Congestion Charge rules in London-it depends on your route.
Highlights & Categories
Below is a breakdown of key store types you can expect to find at Kew Retail Park:
Main anchor stores: Marks & Spencer remains the key anchor, driving traffic for food, fashion and home.
Fashion and lifestyle: Next, Gap, TK Maxx, and many more provide clothing, accessories, and homeware.
Home and Furnishings: Most stores are only set up for home improvement, décor, electronics, and furniture with big footprints.
Essentials and daily services: Merchandisers of basic essentials, health & beauty, and even pet supplies complete the complement to all-rounded convenience.
Because it is such a broad mix, visitors can often combine clothing, home shopping, and groceries in one trip, boosting efficiency and satisfaction.
Current development & future vision
Significantly, the Kew Retail Park is identified by the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames in its local planning documents as a site for potential residential-led mixed-use development.
A number of public engagement events were held in June 2022 to establish a “Vision” for the site, namely: new green spaces, pedestrian/cycle routes, and a mix of housing, retail, and leisure uses.
However, the development appears to be on hold by December 2024, with the owning company saying that the retail park will be retained in its present use “for the foreseeable future”.
For you as a visitor, this still means that the park remains primarily a retail destination; indeed, watch this space for future changes that may bring in lifestyle enhancements, new food/leisure offerings, and improved public realm.
What to expect during your visit
On arrival at Kew Retail Park, here is generally what you experience:
Arrive and park: Spacious car park, easy access, minimum fuss.
Browse anchor and lifestyle stores: visit M&S, Next, and others for core shopping.
Time for other categories: Be it home-wares, pet supplies, or footwear; one place covers a lot.
Get coffee/quick refreshment: there is a café on the premises and some places to snack, but not quite a food court.
Car or bus exit: Due to the infrastructural layout, this is easy to leave.
Access is also available if you are a resident or commuter during late afternoon/early evening when many of the stores stay open until 7-8 pm.
Who Should Go & Who It’s Best For
Great for:
A trip involving several errands performed by one family. Car-based buyers from Richmond, Kew, Chiswick or further afield Residents who want a local retail destination without having to travel to central London.
Less ideal for: Those who would want high-end luxury or boutique retail only. Visitors looking for a significant full-scale dining or leisure complex: Food and leisure are still developing. Tips to make the most of your visit Go early if you prefer quieter browsing: early morning on weekdays will reduce crowding.
Combine your list: with all the categories available at the park, bring a shopping list to make the most of your time.
Final thoughts
In a retail environment where convenience, accessibility, and broad store choice are increasingly valued, Kew Retail Park has emerged as a practical, well-located retail destination in the heart of south-west London. Its large footprint, major anchor tenants, and free parking ensure that this Center offers an attractive alternative to busier city-centre malls. Its future potential for redevelopment further adds to its appeal-for now, it remains a reliably accessible and multi-purpose shopping venue.
