Arding & Hobbs, Clapham Junction

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Plans approved

W.RE's plans for the iconic Grade II Listed Arding & Hobbs building in Clapham Junction received unanimous approval from Wandsworth councillors on 25 November 2020.

The renovation will take around 24 months, with an estimated delivery target of July 2022.

Summary of the plans:

• Re-establish this Battersea landmark referencing 1920s styles and other heritage features
• Choose materials and design to complement the existing façade
• Provide space at the ground and lower ground floors for a range of uses including retail, restaurant and leisure
• Deliver high-quality, contemporary office spaces at the upper floors bringing new jobs to the area and generating footfall for the town centre during the day
• Include a sensitively designed new roof extension, consolidating the existing unattractive structures
• Refurbish the Ilminster Gardens elevation
• Improve the management of servicing and deliveries

Creating another chapter for Arding & Hobbs

Arding & Hobbs is a magnificent Grade II listed building which has been part of Clapham Junction’s heritage since it was built in 1884 as one of south London’s first purpose-built department stores. It is an important local landmark, featuring in films, television and music videos.

Located in the Clapham Junction Conservation area, extending from St John’s Road to Ilminster Gardens on Lavender Hill, the building is currently occupied by TK Maxx. 

It is well known that our high streets continue to face challenges as the way we shop changes. TK Maxx has a long lease and will continue to trade as part of any future investment in the building. Debenhams will not reopen in Clapham Junction.

After our extensive engagement, we understand that weekday trade is struggling. Our plans will create a mix of uses, preserving the building’s heritage, bringing vibrancy to the ground floors through flexible retail uses and creating unique, modern office space on the upper levels. As an iconic building, this combination of uses will generate footfall boosting trade for the whole town centre.

Arding & Hobbs is looking ahead to the next chapter of its history, preserving its heritage and increasing its contribution to the town centre. 

Public consultation

With over 1,000 individual responses to our consultation from June to September, thank you for your participation. Our engagement included:

• 10 stakeholder meetings
• 75 participants at our webinar events
• 978 completed surveys (first round)
• 133 completed surveys (second round)
• 145 Twitter followers

We asked you: What do you think about the Arding & Hobbs building?

This is how you responded to our vision:

• 94% said it is important to restore the building sensitively
• 78% said it is important to provide flexible retail uses
• 62% think that the Arding & Hobbs building is an attractive design
• 57% said it is important to enhance the building for modern usage
• 34% believe that the Arding & Hobbs building is iconic for Battersea/Clapham Junction

All data above based on 978 responses to the first questionnaire

Hoarding

The photos above show the hoarding we installed around the building including information panels and artwork from Battersea's artists which was provided by Wandsworth Council. Click on the button below to view the Council's news article with more information on this. 

About us

W.RE is a team of London commercial property specialists renowned for identifying challenging opportunities, creating value for investors, occupiers and the wider community.