Major refurbishment gets go ahead

Ealing Council has given the green light for the transformation of the Arcadia Centre in Ealing.

As we reported previously the current site - which had 25 small retail units - will be reduced to just 3 stores - including a brand new Morrisons on the lower floor. Morrisons will open a ‘Fresh Format’ store, TK Maxx will double its space and McDonald’s will open a new corner unit.

Benson Elliot, a leading UK-based private equity real estate investor has now been given the go-ahead and the site will re-emerge as ‘1-8 The Broadway, W5 in time for Christmas trading next year.

The Arcadia shopping centre will be 'comprehensively' transformed inside and out. 

Design improvements include making the corner entrance (Broadway/Springbridge Road) a focal point with a new illuminated lantern clock and the building will be spruced up with an 'inviting new frontage.'

Peter Cornforth, Director of Retail at Benson Elliot, said:

''Our vision breathes new life into this hugely important site, turning the old Arcadia Centre inside out to create three prime shop units frontingThe Broadway.

'' It's particularly encouraging to see major high street brands sharing our vision and launching their best-in-class formats with us in time for Christmas trading next year.

''Ealing Council’s unanimous vote to approve the scheme and the support of local civic and community groups through our consultation process sets the tone for a very bright future for the north side of The Broadway and the town centre as a whole.

“This first phase creates a platform to develop the strategy for our wider Arcadia site and since purchasing the portfolio in December 2012 we have acquired additional adjacent properties to round out our ownership. We are looking forward to consulting with the Council and community on the wider framework and continuing to deliver high quality proposals in this vibrant London location.”

Richard Haynes, Development Executive at Morrisons, said:

''We’re delighted to be bringing our unique fresh food offer to Ealing Broadway.  Ealing is an exciting growth area and our new full format store here marks another important step in our London expansion programme.  We’re looking for opportunities to invest, create jobs and bring great quality food shopping to new areas across London and the South and we look forward to continuing our work with Benson Elliot to do this in Ealing.”

McDonald’s and TK Maxx will be able to continue trading throughout the building works.

What do you think of the plans? Discuss on the forum.

18th June 2013