Transformation of town centre site underway

Work has started on the revamped Arcadia Shopping Centre in Ealing, and a new artist's impression has been released (see right).

The 'retail destination' as it's described, will see a major redesign of the building which is being converted into 3 large stores - McDonalds, TK Maxx and Morrisons.

The Arcadia name will go and it will be known as 1-8 The Broadway.

Developers, Benson Elliot, say the revamped building, (designed by award-winning architects Allies & Morrison), will set a 'bright and modern tone' for the north side of the Broadway, while 'respecting local architecture and the site’s prominent location'. 

It will also see the current clocktower replaced with a new illuminated terracotta lantern, featuring a clock.

The new stores are expected to open in Autumn 2014 - in time for Christmas 2014 trading. 

TK Maxx will continue to operate their existing unit as normal during the building works

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

“The start of building work on this critical site is a great step forward for Ealing town centre.  Almost 100,000 sq ft of quality retail space, three big high street names and more than £6 million spent transforming a tired building; this is priceless news for Ealing Broadway.”

Andrew Birtwistle, Development Executive at Morrisons, said:

“We’re delighted that work has started on site and this takes us an important step closer to 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 milestone in our London expansion programme.  The Broadway store builds on the success of our new Morrisons M Local store which opened in Ealing earlier this year.  We’re looking for opportunities to invest, create jobs and bring great quality food shopping to new areas across London and we look forward to continuing our work with Benson Elliot in Ealing.”

This project marks the first phase of rework on the site.

Benson Elliot has also bought 12-14 The Broadway, and work on this next section (a residential development surrounded by retail space) will start with local consultation by the end of the year.

It takes the company’s total investment in the town centre to around £50 million. 

What do you think? Discuss on the forum.

31st October 2013