Autumn Facelift in Store for Hammersmith's Kings Mall
New cladding, entrances and shopfronts aim to give building a more modern look
The upgrade, which is part of an overall refurbishment project by the mall's owners Schroders UK Real Estate Fund, aims to achieve "a more modern and smooth look to the building."
A planning application for the external refurbishment, comprising of new shopfronts, high level cladding with integrated lighting and alterations to the East and Western entrance, designed by architects Bell Associates, was approved by H&F Council in June.
Bell Associates say:" The design creates an attractive and modern upgrade to Kings Mall.
"Removal of the low level concrete canopies allows the introduction of 'double height' shopfronts along the whole King Street elevation. Retailers will be encouraged to trade at ground and first floors to provide maximum active frontages.
"The overall desire is to increase the glazing height and open the first floors creating a 40% increase of shopfronts on the prime retail frontage. The visual impact on King Street will be dramatic, transforming dark unattractive frontages into light and vibrant retail units.
"The selected finish and colour introduce an industrial palette which compliments the works to the Lyric Theatre above, existing brickwork at the residential level and the new double height shopfronts along King Street.
Following the application's approval, a construction logistics plan has now been submitted, showing that work on the upgrade is set to begin in October and be completed in January 2019. The plan says the work, including scaffolding on the building, is not expected to cause any problems for local traffic or for pedestrians.
These improvements are the latest the owners' ongoing project, costing over £5 million, to improve the centre inside and out. It began last year with refurbishment of the building’s atrium and new lift, stair and floor works and the addition of some double height store fronts.
A number of new stores have since moved into Kings Mall, along with Frame health and fitness studio and pop-up diner Feast Canteen.
August 3, 2018