Debenhams, Clapham Junction will not reopen after lockdown - give your views on the redevelopment of the building Post Reply

[Community Editor]

Debenhams have announced that following the current public health pandemic they do not intend to reopen in Clapham Junction.

TK Maxx, however has a long lease and will continue to trade as part of any future investment in the building.

There have been rumours recently that the building will be turned into a hotel, but these have not been confirmed.

W. Real Estate, the property developers who bought the building are now seeking the views of local residents on what they want for Clapham Junction town centre to understand people’s priorities for retail, leisure and jobs.

Arding & Hobbs is a magnificent Grade II listed building which has been part of Clapham Junction’s heritage for over 110 years, as a department store and important local landmark, featuring in films, television and music videos. It was built in 1910 as one of south London’s first purpose built department stores.

W. Real Estate's say their vision for the building is such:

- Retain the building as a local landmark and focal point through sensitive restoration and enhancement

- Promote a variety of commercial and leisure uses, creating greater flexibility, including modern retail space

- Consider opportunities to make sensitive additions to the building

- Create high quality, contemporary office space at the upper levels bringing additional jobs to the town centre

- Improve relationships with neighbours through rationalising the servicing

- Promote sustainability

To give your opinion on the re-development of this historic building, click here: https://communitystream.co.uk/en/projec ... bs/process

You have until 23 June to do this.

[SW11er]

- Promote a variety of commercial and leisure uses, creating greater flexibility, including modern retail space

[windmill26]

Something like Merci in Paris would be great.

[gemima]

Another nice superstore please.

[Babyboomer]

The part with the lovely stained glass roof where the cafe and toilets are now should be retained as a cafe with toilets. It is an invaluable rendezvous point for older South Londoners who use public transport. But it should be more vibrant with better food options.

Also high end retail outlets for things which need the personal touch, shoes, sportswear, watch repairs, maybe an Apple outlet with good customer service.

Office space seems a stupid idea, there is going to be a huge oversupply. It is a transport hub and needs to be a destination.

[judithhoward]

Very sad to see Debenham's closing.   Some time ago we heard talk that John Lewis's might be taking it over at the end of the lease, but more recently the hotel idea has come to light - although in present circumstances I doubt if there's the demand for another large hotel in the area (no visitors!!).    I also see no demand for office space at the moment.  My employer has just left the business centre in Earlsfield, along with at least half the other occupants - no-one can afford the rents these days!

Thank goodness the building is listed, which means its external appearance must be preserved - otherwise we could have ended up with another faceless block of flats on the site.   (If there IS to be any residential component, hopefully it will be affordable and not just for the wealthy.)  
 It would be best to have another department store, as otherwise I fear Clapham Junction will "die" as a shopping venue.

[newmother]

Would love a John Lewis/Peter Jones to go in this space.

[Vista321]

Really agree with Babyboomer about retaining the café and toilets as used by lots of senior citizens and parents with children at lunch time.  It was one of the only places I went to for lunch when I had a buggy and a baby I needed to breast feed as it was a calm space with enough room to sit with a buggy.  Needs to retain social and commercial element please - not offices or certainly not on the ground floor.
 

[MarkGitsham]

This area by Clapham Junction is prime retail space. The area does so much better than many other "High Street" areas which is reflected in the high rents.

It is key that retail is kept at the heart of this development. Perhaps an arcade, with a number of retailers and cafe/toilets inside.

[LifestyleMum]

I agree with with the last post, we lack major names e.g Zara, Cos, Shuh, French Connection, Gap, Nespresso shop etc. Clapham Junction high street depends upon a thriving community of consumers. Without this, the dynamic of the area will be lost.