Selfridges to open members’ club in flagship Oxford Street store

Selfridges is set to get the go-ahead to turn part of its flagship store on London’s Oxford Street into a bar and private dining space, paving the way for the retailer to launch its own members’ club next year. Planning officers at Westminster City Council have recommended that councillors sign off plans that would allow staff office space on the fourth floor of 400 Oxford Street to be used as a members’ club. The space is within the so-called SWOD building, an extension to the north-east of the building named for the Somerset, Wigmore, Orchard and Duke streets around it. Next spring, Selfridges plans to launch 40 Duke, described in planning documents as “an exclusive new shopping and social destination for its most valued customers and members”. The Oxford Street space is currently offices for staff and executive directors, including board rooms, meeting rooms, lounge areas and a staff dining area. If the plans are approved, these will be converted into an internal bar and lounge with 80 covers, a private dining room and terrace with 14 covers and an external dining terrace for 50 covers, as well as kitchens. The opening times for the invitation-only members club would be 8am-12.30am Sunday to Thursday, and 8am-1.30am on Friday and Saturday, with the terrace open from 9am-11pm all week. A planning statement from Montagu Evans said: “The proposal sits within the context of Selfridges’ commercial offering as one of London’s most recognised department stores. As a business, Selfridges must continuously carry out refurbishment and improvement to sustain its prominence within what is a fast paced and demanding industry. “The proposal will allow Selfridges to continue to thrive and succeed along the world-renowned shopping destination that is Oxford Street, supporting the international shopping centre and the vibrancy of London’s West End.” The change-of-use application would also allow the space to be used for retail. “While Selfridges is keen to bring forward the proposal, it wishes to maintain flexibility for the floorspace to return to retail use if the operation proves unsuccessful,” Montagu Evans said. Westminster’s planning committee will vote on the project on 24 June.   Image © Rex Features