Southside ready for its smarter, more welcoming look
By Charlotte Lilywhite, Local Democracy Reporter
Images have been released detailing the fresh look planned for Southside Shopping Centre.
The ‘run-down’ centre in Wandsworth High Street, deemed to be in need of significant spruce-up, is to be upgraded with new entrances, lighting and seats.
Southside will stay open during the works, which start this week and are expected to continue until November.
The frontages of the shopping centre’s three entrances will be remodelled after the scheme was approved by Wandsworth council in January.
Planning officers said the existing entrances are extremely outdated and fail to draw customers to the shopping centre, while the revamp will improve the venue and town centre.
The entrances in Wandsworth High Street and Garratt Lane will have looped metal arches and red brick features to pay tribute to the historic brick arched features at former greyhound racing track Wandsworth Stadium, which the site sits on, and Wandsworth Aqueduct.
A new street art display will also be installed at the entrance in Neville Gill Close.
Another change will see the upper level of the shopping centre redesigned and seating introduced.
New lighting and signs will be installed throughout the shopping centre to brighten and improve its appearance, while it will also have a free water refill station to cut single-use plastic consumption and water bowls for dogs.
It follows the completion of a £1million scheme to improve parking at the shopping centre, including installing electric vehicle charging points, premium parking spaces and motorcycle delivery bays.
It has also introduced a cycle hub, along with Spokesafe, to provide spaces for cyclists to park their bikes when visiting Wandsworth.
Rebecca Ruddle, director of Southside Shopping Centre, said she wants to give visitors an ‘nrivalled experience’at the venue. Lidl, Parthian Climbing, and Søstrene Grene are among the brands to have opened in the shopping centre over the past year, with more lined up – including Padel Social Club.
Ms Ruddle said: “Wandsworth is currently undergoing a significant regeneration, creating 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.”
Pictured top: An artist’s impresion of the planned exterior of Southside Shopping Centre (Picture: Southside Shopping Centre)
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