Forum Topic

Putney Exchange

I know they have opened Mountain Warehouse in the Exchange, has any Putney member heard anything about the Wilko site, what it might be.

Barbara Stevens ● 307d9 Comments

Thanks, Nick. I find it interesting that upstairs in the Exchange there's now an Art Gallery, a Yoga Centre, a Gym, a Massage Centre, (I think) a Nursery - essentially not the usual high street retail stores - more services (other than the gallery) - wonderif that's a change driven by more retail going on-line? The services can't be provided on-line and I guess people like to see the art in situ? I think many also like to be able to see clothing, shoe, etc and try them on.I think also you're effectively saying Southside has a critical mass to fuel it? Perhaps Southside having Gravity Leisure is a bit like the Mall of America having a Funfair in it? And the large malls also have cinemas attached ... something to bribe the younger people with while they're being dragged around the shops? Perhaps the exchange is too small?

Michael Ixer ● 294d

"Conservatives' 14 year tenure in Government, so I wonder what their policies were for the high streets"Besides temporary Business Rate relief for small shops - none.The only party that had High Street specific policies at the last election was Reform. Why is that given the importance of the high to society?14 years in opposition you think Labour would have something.The Greens you would have thought - nope no policies either.Is it incompetence or by design??

Ed Robinson ● 294d

Hi Michael/Nick thanks for your questions . The service charge is similar level to that of Wandsworth Southside. Similar rate per sqft. Rates are very topical at the moment and the vain of every retailer! They have dropped in majority of locations where rental values have dropped but there is still a lot of work to be done. I like Putney Exchange for a local family shop. It’s a pleasant environment to shop in. My daughter loves The Works/ Tiger and Oliver Bonas and the boys like Sportsdirect and The Works! It’s very clean and a nice relaxed vibe with generally pleasant shoppers. However, it’s incomparable with Southside, in terms of footfall and density of retail . Southside also has huge parking available. It’s therefore very difficult for Putney Exchange to compete . As Putney Exchange simply doesn’t have the large retail space to bring in the Big Anchor tenants that drive footfall into a shopping centres. These include the likes of Primark etc. Gravity leisure also replaced Debenhams, which whilst many would not like on this forum. It brings a huge number of people into the Southside Centre ,creating more shopping dwell time and purchases!

Nick Gulliford ● 294d

It's unfortunate that party political points seem to find their way into discussions such as this one.  However, for the sake of balance, I seem to recall when thinking back to 2010 that our high streets have gone into noticeable decline during the Conservatives' 14 year tenure in Government, so I wonder what their policies were for the high streets!

David Beeney ● 295d

Nick if there were no rates but just service charge would that improve things?Rates are government taxes whereas service charge is a private matter.Why are we taxing retail off the high street resulting in closures and the loss of other taxation, VAT, employee NI & tax, Employer NI etc?Labour has no policies for the high streets. What planet do they live on that does not have high streets?

Ed Robinson ● 298d

Would rather have an M and S Food there.

Jane Carter ● 300d

Waitrose can extend into it as it hasn't  got much variety or choice like the one at East Sheen.

Ayla Currell ● 300d

Thanks, Nick. Are the rates and service charges at Putney Exchange disproportionately high compared with other shopping centres such as, for example, Southside in Wandsworth? Or is it a question that the footfall in Putney isn't high enough to justify the costs?

Michael Ixer ● 304d

The property has a huge rates and service charge costs attached to it.I can't see a permanent lease on it being agreed anytime soon.Another option is to look at it being a temporary play centre with table tennis tables etc or whatever. Minimal set up  costs. However it's not easy at all for the landlords to manage, they will have taken a mammoth hit from the Wilko's departure, that affects the centre as well. It's certainly not a quick fix for anyone.They've done well to get Mountain Warehouse in, who are seen as a popular retailer in the current market. Albeit I know some might not like them!

Nick Gulliford ● 304d