International real estate advisor Savills, on behalf of Motcomb Estates, has let further space to the Japanese food hall operator, Japan Centre, at 35a Panton Street in London’s West End.
The retailer already trades from the basement floor of the building and, following a strong performance outside of national lockdowns, has now agreed a deal to acquire an additional 5,000 sq ft at ground floor level on a 15 year lease, taking the total space of the store and food hall to 10,000 sq ft.
Japan Centre’s new flagship store will now combine the traditional elements of a ‘depachika’ (the Japanese word for a basement food hall) with a more free flowing shopping experience and exciting new restaurant offering on the ground floor.
Oliver Green, director of central London Retail at Savills, comments: “The past 12 months have understandably been exceptionally challenging for the retail and leisure market, so the commitment from Japan Centre to increase the size of its Panton Street store is hugely positive for Soho and the wider West End. In spite of the pandemic, we expect to see foodhalls continue to grow in popularity and Japan Centre provides an exciting and differentiated offer right in the heart of central London.”
