RAW Charging, an electric vehicle (EV) chargepoint operator for the leisure, retail, and hospitality sectors, is partnering with Landsec to launch “the UK’s largest destination EV charging hub” at Bluewater in Kent.
The installation forms part of a £24.5 million national EV charging network across some of the UK’s most popular shopping destinations.
The rollout will deliver 1,000 new charging bays – comprising 554 AC fast chargers and 446 DC rapid chargers – across 28 Landsec destinations, including Bluewater (the largest retail destination EV charging hub in the UK), Gunwharf Quays, White Rose Shopping Centre, and Brighton Marina, with some installations already complete.
Modernising legacy charging infrastructure
RAW says its network is designed to meet growing customer expectations while helping retailers and landlords drive footfall, engagement, and revenue.
By placing charging hubs at high-footfall destinations, it says EV drivers will remain on site for longer – interacting with retail, dining, and leisure offerings – creating a tangible boost to dwell time and spend.
The 20-year partnership will also include a major replace and upgrade programme, modernising legacy charging infrastructure that no longer meets current standards for speed, reliability, or accessibility.
These upgrades are expected to improve charge time, with some chargers charging a vehicle within a dwell time of 30 minutes to 1.5 hours. The network is also fully accessible via contactless payment and the major EV charging apps.
RAW Charging’s network already powers popular destinations including National Trust sites, Merlin Entertainments (such as LEGOLAND Windsor and Alton Towers), McArthurGlen Designer Outlets, and several hotel groups. Collectively, these destinations reportedly power over 400,000 electric journeys per year.
Investing in the UK
Neil Broadbank, CCO at RAW Charging, comments, “We’re proud to partner with Landsec, whose top-tier retail and leisure destinations attract millions of visitors each year.
“Our EV charging hubs give customers confidence to recharge on arrival, enhancing their experience and keeping them on site longer.
“This investment goes beyond infrastructure; it’s about connecting amazing places and supporting the UK’s transition to cleaner, greener transport.”
Ben Padley, Head of Consumer at Landsec, adds, “Our destinations welcome millions of visitors each year and are the hubs for communities across the UK. Creating exceptional experiences while supporting a more sustainable future is central to how we shape those places.
“As more drivers switch to electric, retail destinations like ours have a clear responsibility to make charging simple, accessible, and part of everyday life.
“Through our partnership with RAW Charging, we’re embedding high-quality, future-ready EV infrastructure across our portfolio, including plans for what will become the UK’s largest destination charging hub at Bluewater.”
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