New chapter for Arding and Hobbs in Lavender Hill

The iconic department store building, left largely empty by the collapse of Debenhams, will house a mixture of bars, restaurants and shops, with the upper levels converted to offices. TK Maxx will remain in its current ground-floor premises. 

One of the retail units will be taken by a branch of Amazon Fresh. This will be the borough’s second branch – there is another in Wandsworth town centre.  

The other new confirmed tenant is bar company Albion & East Limited. They will be based on the corner opposite the Falcon pub.  

The building is currently being renovated back to its 1920s glory by its owner, the commercial property specialists W.RE, which held extensive consultation with local people in 2020. Work is expected to be completed by this summer.  

The company also worked with the council in 2020 to install hoardings displaying work by local artists, plus information about the building. 

Cabinet member for economic development, skills and employment, Cllr Rhodri Morgan, has welcomed the news. He said: “We have been impressed with W.RE’s sensitivity to the history of this building, and their willingness to engage with local people on its future.  

“We are looking forwarding to welcoming these new businesses and to seeing the Arding and Hobbs building busy again with local shoppers. It’s a fantastic boost to the local economy and will bring life back to the heart of Clapham Junction.”  

Arding and Hobbs opened in 1884 and was one of London’s first purpose-built department stores.