Opinions.

Hammersmith opens innovative social hub

The deal sees The Zocial develop its first club, named Kindred, in the 18th century listed-building which sits in front of the Bradmore Square entrance to Hammersmith Broadway and is part of CBRE GI’s ownership of the centre.

The letting is a key asset management initiative for the scheme. There have been a number of offers on the building since CBRE GI bought the scheme in 2015 but it has waited for the right operator who was the perfect fit for the historic building. The Zocial has taken a 15 year lease on Bradmore House following the landlord agreeing to surrender the lease from the previous tenant, Real China, who had been in occupation since 2011.

“This is a key placemaking and asset management initiative and is about improving the environment as a whole.  It is comparable to the Market Halls addition to Fulham Broadway where CBRE GI had several offers but wanted an operator who would offering something exciting and create a destination” says GCW director Philippe Micheal.

The Bradmore Square entrance to the shopping centre is also being improved with an updated design and softer landscaping.  GCW has agreed new lettings at the entrance including a unit under offer to Veeno an Italian tapas and wine bar, owned and managed by a vineyard in Italy and Dragon Cat Café, a bubble tea operator. A further unit is under offer to a restaurant operator who will open in September.

The Zocial will occupy the entire 7,000 sq ft of Bradmore House and is planning a £2 million remodelling project both internally and externally. Kindred is a new concept aimed at young professionals who are attracted by a stronger sense of community. It aims to create a useful and inspiring space based around working, eating, drinking and social events. Part of the building will be a private members club and during the day, both the public and members can use the café space to work and collaborate. The Zocial is backed by investor, Chris Anderson, the founder of Ted Talks.