UPDATE – September 2026: Chelmsford's retail and leisure scene has continued to change since this article was first published, with several new stores now open and further arrivals confirmed or planned across the city.

At The Meadows, HMV has returned to Chelmsford with a new store, while work is now under way on the new Hollywood Bowl entertainment centre ahead of its planned winter opening. Elsewhere in the city, H&M is preparing to open its new two-floor High Chelmer store, Joe & The Juice is heading to the High Street, and other retailers continue to target Chelmsford for future expansion.

We'll keep this page updated with the latest confirmed shop, restaurant and leisure openings across Chelmsford as new announcements are made.

Latest shops and businesses coming to Chelmsford

H&M – High Chelmer

H&M is opening a new two-floor store at High Chelmer on Thursday 17 September, bringing womenswear, menswear and childrenswear together in a modern new city-centre shop.

Read more: H&M to open new two-floor Chelmsford store.

Joe & The Juice – High Street

Danish juice, coffee and sandwich chain Joe & The Juice is preparing to open at 17–18 High Street, occupying the former Superdrug premises. Recruitment for the new Chelmsford branch is already under way, although an opening date has yet to be confirmed.

Read more: Joe & The Juice set to open new Chelmsford High Street branch.

Hollywood Bowl – The Meadows

Work is under way on Chelmsford's new Hollywood Bowl, which will occupy a major unit at The Meadows Shopping Centre. The entertainment venue is expected to open during winter 2026 and will bring ten-pin bowling, an amusement area and food and drink to the city centre.

Suit Direct – The Meadows

Menswear retailer Suit Direct is another of the brands joining The Meadows, taking a large unit as part of the shopping centre's continuing retail and leisure transformation.

Read more: Suit Direct to open at Chelmsford's Meadows Shopping Centre.

Jollyes – seeking a Chelmsford location

Pet retailer Jollyes has identified Chelmsford as one of the locations it is targeting as part of its UK expansion programme. A specific Chelmsford store location and opening date have not yet been confirmed.

Read more: Jollyes eyes Chelmsford as part of major UK expansion plan.

New Shops, Restaurants and Hollywood Bowl Set to Transform The Meadows Chelmsford

Chelmsford, Essex – April 2026

Shoppers in Chelmsford have plenty to look forward to this year as The Meadows shopping centre announces a host of new shops, restaurants and major leisure attractions as part of a significant revitalisation drive.

The city centre destination is entering a “new era” of growth, with fresh lettings aimed at strengthening its position as one of the key retail and leisure spots in the East of England. Following the scrapping of earlier redevelopment plans involving large-scale housing, the focus has shifted to enhancing the existing centre with exciting new brands and family-friendly attractions.


What’s Coming to The Meadows Chelmsford?

Here’s the full list of confirmed new openings and recent arrivals:

  • Hollywood Bowl — An 18-lane tenpin bowling alley (approximately 30,000 sq ft) will take over the former One Beyond unit and is expected to open by the end of 2026 (this winter). It will sit alongside the existing Odeon cinema to create a strong leisure offering.
  • Smoke & Pepper — Popular smash burger and fried chicken restaurant brand opening its 14th UK site in a 4,650 sq ft riverside unit in April 2026.
  • Suit Direct — Men’s outfitters specialising in suits, accessories and casualwear, taking a large 5,000 sq ft unit.
  • Big Dog Land — Fun retailer offering lifestyle gifts, gadgets and novelty technology products, opening in a 1,500 sq ft unit on the High Street side.
  • Penny Plain — Women’s fashion brand that has already opened this year.
  • Co-op On The Go — New convenience food and grocery concept, now open.
  • Taz’s Beauty Salon — Growing beauty salon chain that has recently opened at the centre.

Alex Butler, Senior Asset Manager at Estama (the team handling new lettings), said: “It’s been a really strong start to 2026 at The Meadows, with an exciting mix of new lettings and openings already coming through. We’re proud to be playing a part in the centre’s ongoing evolution… and there’s more to come across both retail and leisure, which will build on this momentum.”

The new mix of dining, fashion, gifts and family entertainment is designed to make The Meadows Chelmsford a more vibrant destination for locals and visitors alike, complementing the existing high street brands and the nearby Odeon cinema.

Why This Matters for Chelmsford Shoppers

These additions come at a time when the city is continuing to grow as a major destination in Essex. The combination of new restaurants, shops and the upcoming Hollywood Bowl is expected to boost footfall and encourage people to spend more time in the centre – whether for shopping, eating out or a fun family day.

The Meadows Chelmsford opening hours and more information will be updated on the centre’s website as new stores open. Keep an eye on local announcements for exact opening dates.

This wave of investment signals confidence in Chelmsford’s city centre and should make The Meadows an even more appealing place to visit throughout 2026 and beyond.