Meyer Bergman’s £300m retail-led development on the former Vinopolis wine-tasting site, SE1, near London Bridge will be called Borough Yards.
The first tenants to sign up to the 197,800 sq ft scheme are Everyman Cinema, which has agreed a deal for a 6,100 sq ft cinema, and The Office Group, which will occupy Thames House and a new adjacent building spanning 68,500 sq ft.
The investment manager has instructed CWM and JLL as letting agents on the scheme, and is now actively looking for retail and leisure occupiers for the 115,600 sq ft of available space which is split over 50 units.
The site, which comprises 1 Bank End and Thames House, will be redeveloped into a shopping arcade by restoring the existing Victorian railway arches, the former wine-tasting venue and neighbouring sites.
Borough Yards will front on to the pedestrian path linking the Tate Modern with Borough Market, London Bridge Station and the Shard.
The site spans the entire length of the railway arches bounded by Thames House, Stoney Street, Clink Street and Park Street, and the land between the railway viaduct and Wine Wharf.
As part of the redevelopment, a new pedestrian lane, Dirty Lane, will create access from Park Street to Bank End.
Some of the area’s original Elizabethan era street names, such as Clink Yard and Scoop Yard, will be reintroduced in celebration of the site’s heritage.
Meyer Bergman first unveiled its vision for Vinopolis two years ago, shortly after it bought the long leasehold of the site. It is held in its European Retail Partners II fund.
Southwark council’s planning committee granted planning permission in July 2016.
George Walsh-Waring, principal, Meyer Bergman, said: “The Office Group and Everyman Cinema are fantastic new anchors at Borough Yards, highlighting our ambition to create a world-class location with a vibrant balance of work and lifestyle.
“This part of Borough has been under-served in terms of a retail offering given the needs of the local community, the commuters who arrive at London Bridge and the number of visitors exploring the iconic sights of this part of London.
“The Everyman Cinema will make Borough Yards an after-work entertainment venue too.
“We see this project as a huge opportunity to create something truly unique and are looking for retail and leisure concepts that fit our vision.”
Charlie Green, co-chief executive at The Office Group, said: “We love this site, partly because it’s on the doorstep of Borough Market and partly because of the mix of architecture with the existing building (formerly Thames House) and the new-build element.
“It’s The Office Group’s third workspace in SE1 and our 37th in London and its character and vibrancy make it a perfect fit for our growing community.”
Crispin Lilly, Everyman Cinemas chief executive, said: “Borough Yards will be an amazing quality addition to the fantastic vibrant and cultural centre in and around Borough Market.”
The scheme is scheduled to open in early 2020.
To send feedback, e-mail amber.rolt@egi.co.uk or tweet @AmberRoltEG or @estatesgazette
