Southside Shopping Centre in Wandsworth is set to become the site of one of the most exciting retail repurposing projects as Gravity has completed its letting of the 80,000 sq ft former Debenhams, set to launch in the summer of 2021.
Colliers advised Landsec and Invesco on the deal, which will be Gravity’s first site in London and will feature gaming experiences such as e-karting, augmented reality bowling, crazy golf, pool, ping-pong, and shuffleboards. It will also offer an array of dining and drinking options, including a noodle kitchen, American diner, and cocktail bar.
Jessica Short, associate director in the Retail Agency team at Colliers, comments: “There has been considerable talk over the last two years on the benefits of repurposing surplus retail space and bringing Gravity to Southside is the exciting first step in creating actual momentum in the market.
“The size of the floorplates, set across four storeys, have allowed Gravity to bring in new concepts such as e-karting whilst also providing tried and tested favourites such as bowling and soft play. As Southside has such as large catchment population, many of which are young families, we have no doubt that Gravity will provide something for everyone and will create a real sense of excitement in Wandsworth.”
The Southside JV (a joint venture between Landsec and Invesco Real Estate) and Gravity are investing £4 million to redevelop the former Debenhams department store unit as part of a combined strategy to reimagine the destination and incorporate new and innovative concepts. Southside is home to some of the biggest names in fashion and retail with popular food and drink brands, and a strong line-up of leisure operators including Wagamama, H&M, Primark, Waitrose and Cineworld.
Colliers and Time Retail Partners advised Landsec and Invesco and Savills advised Gravity.