Plans to refresh and revitalise the shopping arcade

The new owners of Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre (EBSC) have announced plans to breathe new life into the area and say the noodle giant wagamama will help them do it.

The Dutch based investment firm, Wereldhave bought the EBSC from Legal and General last year and have received planning permission from Ealing Council to liven up arcade fronting on to the High Street.

They say the letting to wagamama, which has taken 1,200 sq ft, is particularly significant as the restaurant will be in a prime position on the arcade.

The arcade, on the east side of the High Street provides access to the centre, will be refreshed and see the landscape, lighting and public realm enhanced.

The work will be the start of rejuvenating this part of the High Street and the company hope its new look and the addition of wagamama will encourage other popular leisure and restaurant brands to the scheme.

Ailsa Davidson, asset manager for Wereldhave, commented: “wagamama is exactly the type of brand we want to bring to Ealing Broadway and to have secured it just as we have received permission to carry out improvements to the arcade is fantastic.

“As a long-term investor in Ealing Broadway, we are committed to creating a new modern retail environment in Ealing and the letting to wagamama and work to the High Street is our first step to achieving this.”

This latest brand name to come to Ealing follows the electronic store Maplins which has just opened its doors - and upmarket fish and chip shop Kerbisher and Malt which will be doing so within the next week.

With Empire promising to start work on the neglected cinema site next month things are beginning to look brighter in the centre of Ealing.

It's hoped wagamama will be open in the Autumn.

18th July 2012