Arding & Hobbs

Site Description Arding & Hobbs is located at 315-325 Lavender Hill within Clapham Junction Town Centre (herein referred to as the Site). The Site comprises the former Arding and Hobbs Department Store which until recently was occupied by Debenhams. The Site occupies a prominent position within the Town Centre and is located within the Core Shopping Frontage on the corner of Lavender Hill and St Johns Road. Ilminster Gardens is located to the rear of the Site and is characterised by a residential use. The Site is currently serviced from Ilminster Gardens. The building on the Site is a key Local Landmark building and is Grade II Listed. The Site forms a central part of the Clapham Junction Conservation Area. The Site has a Public Transport Accessibility Level of 6B, with Clapham Junction Station being located across from the Site. N.B Whilst TK Maxx are located within the building over part of lower ground, part of ground and part of the first floor, they do not form part of this application. TK Maxx will be remaining within the building. Proposed Development The existing building is currently vacant following the departure of Debenhams from the building. With a new chapter opening for the structure a fresh vision has been developed which includes a comprehensive programme of restoration and the introduction of new town centre uses to bring the building back into viable service. It is proposed to introduce flexible retail and leisure spaces at the ground and lower ground floors (Classes A1/A3/A4/D2) to maintain active frontages in this busy shopping and travel hub. Over the remaining parts of the building it is proposed to introduce an office use (Class B1), with new ground floor entrance on St John Street. It is also proposed to create a new two storey rooftop extension which will create additional office space (herein referred to as the Proposed Development). Several the original historic features will be refurbished and restored. It is proposed to re-instate the original ground floor shopfronts. This would be achieved through the removal of the non-original canopy which currently has a negative impact on the existing building. Other restoration elements include the opening up and refurbishment of the original windows which are currently blocked up internally. It is also proposed to clean and restore the brickwork, with refurbishment works to an original stairwell. The historic glass dome on the third floor is proposed to be restored and displayed within a new high-quality enclosure. The existing Cupola, which is currently in an unusable state is proposed to be integrated into the new office space. The proposed roof pavilion extension will consist of a curved façade with a pleated plan view, designed to reflect the dominant characteristics of the existing Grade II Listed Building, while offering a contemporary take on the design. The Proposed Development includes an office amenity space, provided in the form of a roof top terrace on the fourth floor. A number of improvements to the façade along Ilminster Gardens are proposed to improve the overall visual appearance of the building and the public realm. Servicing of the building remains on Ilminster Gardens.