Times are changing fast on Motcomb Street, with some exciting developments in the pipeline and the whole area is receiving a major uplift.
The re-opening of the Halkin Arcade, where work began in January, is now a few months away, and the new-look arcade will be celebrated throughout the year. This is largely thanks to Grosvenor. It is part of a two-phase redevelopment scheme, with work on Lowndes Terrace, under the auspices of the Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel expected to commence this winter.
Also due for completion in spring 2019 is the Pantechnicon (www.thepantechnicon.com), which acts as one of the entrances to Halkin Arcade. The Pantechnicon building, dates back to 1830, and started life as an antiques bazaar, will become an exciting lifestyle hub, where exclusive fashion, food and beauty brands will set up shop. There will be a south-facing rooftop restaurant and bar, too.
The new-look Halkin Arcade, undertaken by FM Conway and funded by Grosvenor, is going to be an amazing place to hang out, judging by the CGI of the development (https://vimeo.com/255892617). A central atrium filled with many trees and varied plants will provide an oasis of greenery in the heart of Belgravia. It should be a space that any city in Europe would be proud.
There will be no new retailers in the Arcade, but those there already, from Ottolenghi to The Fine Cheese Company, will reap the benefit of a strategy which puts the emphasis on the greening of the entire area.
Motcomb Street has already been pedestrianised from noon to midnight and, as benches, outdoor tables and free-standing plants start to proliferate, the character of the neighbourhood is changing.
“Halkin Arcade is like a secret garden, tucked away off the busy street,” says Matt Johnson, Senior Development Manager at Grosvenor. “We are confident that, particularly in the summer, it will attract people who just want to sit outside in a pleasant environment and work on their laptops over a cup of coffee. But Motcomb Street is the key part of the picture and we expect it to benefit from additional visitors drawn in by the Arcade.”
The improvements to Motcomb Street and the Halkin Arcade reflect Grosvenor’s 20-year vision for Mayfair and Belgravia, creating active neighbourhoods, greener spaces and better streets.
With free public Wi-Fi now available on the street, to complement the new retail and dining offerings, Motcomb Street, home to Henry & James for more than half a century, is on the brink of becoming a must-visit destination.
- Henry & James is Belgravia and Knightsbridge’s premier estate agent for residential sales and lettings (co.uk).
- Contact Henry & James to find your next property in the capital: Tel 020 7235 8861 or email belgraviaoffice@henryandjames.co.uk.
