FAQ
Kings Mall refurbishment
Q1. Who owns Kings Mall?
A St Martins Property Investments Limited is the owner of Kings Mall in Hammersmith. The company is an international investment and asset management company. The company has owned and managed Kings Mall since 1979.
Q2. Who is funding the refurbishment of Kings Mall?
The company is funding 100 per cent of the refurbishment.
Q3. How much is the refurbishment going to cost?
The refurbish will cost £10m+ and so represents a significant long term investment in the future of the centre.
Q4. What will the refurbishment of Kings Mall consist of?
The most visible aspects of the refurbishment will be improved entrances, brighter more attractive malls and improved car parking facilities and links. But many of the improvements will be behind the scenes and will improve the quality and efficiency of all aspects of managing the centre. The improved infrastructure will save energy, improve the comfort of those using the centre to shop and work, enhance security and improve efficiency.
Q5. Why are you planning to remove the circular staircase on King Street?
Research has shown that the staircase is under used. The new entrance will create a real sense of welcome and will create real impact for the new look and feel of Kings Mall in the 21st century.
Q6. Will the residents be affected by the refurbishment process?
The refurbishment works will be conducted during normal working hours, from 8 am until 6pm to minimised any inconvenience.
Q7. Are the residential flats included in the development?
No. The scope of the refurbishment is focussed on improving the shopping centre and ensuring that it meets modern standards.
Q8. How will you communicate any changes/progress on the refurbishment to residents?
The refurbishment does not encompass any changes to the flats however it is intended to include residents in our extensive communication programme. Anyone who is likely to be affected directly will be communicated with individually.
Q9. Are you planning to improve the link bridges in any way?
Yes the link bridges will be improved through the use of new lighting and redecoration
Q10. Is the refurbishment linked in any way to the Lyric theatre development?
No. These are two very separate planning and development processes.
Q11. Why is it planned to develop Kings Mall now?
We conducted customer and retailer research which highlighted the need and direction for these improvements. This is particularly important as we operate in a competitive retail environment and so must continually improve the shopping centre to attract shoppers and quality retailers.
Q12. When is it intended to submit plans to Hammersmith Council?
Plans will be submitted in May 2010.
Q13. Is consultation with the local community planned?
We have already conducted some research with customers but we will be consulting widely on this development and will keep all parties informed throughout the planning and refurbishment process. An exhibition will be created in the central atrium area of the centre which details the plans.
Q14. When will work start?
Clearly this depends on the planning process but we would hope to start in August 2010.
Q15. How long will it take to complete the development?
It is planned that the work will be completed by October/November 2011
Q16. What disruption is anticipated?
There will be some disruption for shoppers and retailers during the refurbishment work but efforts will be made to keep this to a minimum and maintain business as usual throughout.
Q17. What new shops can be expected?
It is too early to say but the refurbishment will undoubtedly make Kings Mall more attractive to retailers. It will help us meet the needs of a vibrant urban centre. We will build on our strengths of convenience and discount fashion and add to the mix of specialist shops.
Q18. Will any existing shops go?
It is not possible to say but the refurbishment will certainly make the centre more attractive and efficient from a retailer perspective.
Q19. Will parking be improved?
The use and environment for parking will be improved substantially
Q20. Will the parking charges be increased as a result?
There are currently no plans to do so but it is not possible to rule out increases at some time in the future.
Q21. Will the food offer improve?
Yes the plans include elements to improve the food offer.
Q22. Will the washrooms be improved?
Yes, new washrooms are being created and these will provide a significant improvement for the comfort of our visitors.
