As reported earlier this year, train stations are becoming key areas for retailers to open outlets due to the high level of passing trade and sales turnover. This has made the upcoming Canary Wharf Crossrail Station a lucrative location for many well-known brands, especially as the retail and leisure scheme will be located above the actual station and will give retailers more flexibility when renting commercial space.
This week, Canary Wharf Group confirmed that three brands are already set to take up units within the 115,000 sq ft development – Sports Bar & Grill, Everyman Cinema and Mexican burrito restaurant Poncho 8.
The Canary Wharf branch of Everyman Cinema will be the first foray into east London for the leisure chain, while Poncho 8 hopes to build upon its growing consumer base in the area thanks to improved transport connections and a larger store.
Poncho 8 co-owner Nick Birkett says; “To be selected as the only Mexican operator in the Canary Wharf Crossrail development is very exciting – it will be our flagship store.
“We already deliver our breakfasts and burritos to a large number of customers in Canary Wharf from our stores in the City so we know the demand is there for Poncho 8’s product.”
The six storey development has been designed by Foster + Partners and, all going to plan, will open in May 2015 – a full three years before the station itself is set to open. It will feature a futuristic design, with architects incorporating a timber lattice view in order to increase the feeling of light and space within the development and the station itself.
Canary Wharf Group has certainly been working hard to help the area’s regional economy, with the combination of the Crossrail development and the recent Jubilee Place extension representing one of the largest retail expansions in the UK.
Yet the scope of projects in Canary Wharf is only set to grow, with not only the transportation links provided by the Crossrail project but also the business opportunities created by the regeneration of the Royal Albert Docks expected to draw in increasing numbers of consumers and businesses in the next few years.
Chief Administrative Officer for Canary Wharf Group plc, Camille Waxer, believes the retailers selected so far will not only reap the rewards of locating to the new development but will aid in building the prestige of Canary Wharf.
She says; “Everyman Cinema, Sports Bar & Grill and Poncho 8 are key brands we’ve been targeting, as they will add enjoyment and diversity to the growing portfolio of retail and leisure outlets at the Canary Wharf estate.
“It’s very important for us to offer a varied experience to our loyal customers and we look forward to welcoming them at the new Crossrail development opening in May 2015.”
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