Plans to transform a long derelict site in Wandsworth Town into a new wing of the Southside Shopping Centre, have been approved.
 
The site, which stretches more than 100 metres along Garratt Lane , currently contains the shell of a semi demolished building and is cut off from the street by a high security fence.  
 
The completed scheme will create a three storey building running the full length of the site, joining up with the existing shopping centre at the southern end.  
 
At street level it will provide a row of glass fronted shops and restaurants along Garratt Lane, with an outdoor seating area on the first floor. The surrounding pavement and street fixtures will also be upgraded as part of the scheme.
 
Planning applications committee chairman Nick Cuff says:
"This will be a huge improvement to this part of Garratt Lane - in its present state the site is nothing short of an eyesore and local people will be relieved to hear it's finally due for a facelift.
 
"The new shops and restaurants will reactivate this part of the town centre while providing hundreds of new job opportunities. It's another shot in the arm for the area's regeneration."
 
The Garratt Lane scheme will be the first phase of Metro Shopping Fund's Southside Shopping Centre investment strategy.
 
Wandsworth Town has benefitted from of wave on new investment over the last few years including the opening of a new town centre library, Metro Shopping Fund's replacement of the Arndale Centre with Southside and a host of other redevelopments in Hardwick's Way, Smuggler's Way, Buckhold Road, South Thames College and overlooking King George's Park.
 
The regeneration process is picking up pace with a host of new plans for hotels, homes, shops, offices and restaurants in locations like East Hill, the Wandsworth Business Village in Broomhill Road and above the Sainsbury's store in Garratt Lane.
 
To view the planning documents in full visit www.wandsworth.gov.uk/planning reference number 2011/ 5205.  
For further information on Wandsworth town centre visit www.wandsworth.gov.uk/towncentres

February 22nd, 2011