Southside Shopping Centre in Wandsworth has announced it will be undertaking a transformative refresh that promises to elevate the shopping experience for visitors, with the centre remaining fully operational throughout the redevelopment.
The regeneration initiative will make significant enhancements to both the exterior and interior of the centre which will honour its historical site, integrate cohesively with Wandsworth town – which has been undergoing significant revitalisation – and create a contemporary and vibrant retail and leisure environment.
To foster an inclusive community, the upper concourse will be redesigned and developed, introducing integrated seating. The new space aims to cultivate an area that actively encourages social cohesion, providing a communal space where individuals and groups can come together and socialise.
The façade of the North entrance on Wandsworth High Street, the South entrance on Garratt Lane and the West entrance on Neville Gill Close will be remodelled and refreshed to better integrate with the character of the area.
Taking inspiration from historical fixtures in the borough, new looped metal arches and red brick features on the North and South entrances have been designed to pay homage to the former greyhound racing track – which the site sits on – Wandsworth Stadium and Wandsworth Aqueduct’s historic brick arched features. The entrances have been designed to harmonise with the established townscape and envelop Southside as an integral part of Wandsworth town.
Collaborating with a local mural artist, the brickwork at the West entrance will act as a canvas for a new street art display designed to bring joy and pride to the community.
Inside, new lighting and wayfinding will be introduced to brighten and enhance the visual appeal of the centre. Energy-efficient LED strip-lighting will be installed creating a cohesive aesthetic that seamlessly integrates both the internal and external decor.
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CGI of energy-efficient LED strip-lighting at Southside Shopping Centre
The centre is also introducing a free water refill station in a bid to cut single-use plastic consumption. It will also provide water bowls for dogs, catering for any four-legged companions visiting the centre, and solidifying Southside as a dog-friendly centre.
The regeneration work starts this week and is scheduled to be completed in November 2024 – the centre will remain fully open to the public during the redevelopment. Planning permission for the refurbishment was granted by Wandsworth Council.
Rebecca Ruddle, Centre Director at Southside Shopping Centre, commented: “As a shopping destination, it is important for us to constantly evolve and create places where people want to come together.
“We are driven to bring an unrivalled experience to our centre, and in the past 12 months we have welcomed a host of new brands including Lidl, Parthian Climbing, Søstrene Grene and Library of Things – and have more lined up over the next year including Padel Social Club.
“Wandsworth is currently undergoing a significant regeneration, creating brand new residential, leisure pursuits and business opportunities in the area, and with Southside being situated at the heart of the town, the refresh aims to provide visitors with enhanced facilities and create a new vibrant and welcoming atmosphere which complements the surrounding Wandsworth landscape.
“We look forward to rolling out these improvements over the coming months to create an even more inviting destination, whilst continuing to provide support to enhance the Wandsworth community.”
The regeneration news follows a £1 million investment into the development of the centre’s car parking facilities. This included the installation of EV charging points, premium parking spaces, motorcycle delivery bays, and an enhanced security system to provide guests with a safer and more convenient parking experience. The centre has also recently introduced The Cycle Hub in collaboration with Spokesafe, offering a secure space for cyclists to park their bike, and advocating for greener transportation options when visiting Wandsworth.