Waterstones to Return to Wimbledon This Year
New bookstore set to open on the Broadway in the Autumn
40-42 Broadway Wimbledon. Picture: Google Street View
Waterstones will be making a quick return to Wimbledon after being made to leave SW19 earlier this year.
Plans have been announced to open a new bookstore at 40-42 Broadway opposite The Piazza in the autumn.
The group closed its previous store in Wimbledon Bridge House after their landlord exercised a break clause in their lease with WH Smith closing at the same time in January. An online petition was launched to keep the store open which was signed by over 800 people. A Metro Bank is planned to open at the location later this year.
James Daunt CEO of Waterstones added “Having been so unceremoniously evicted from Wimbledon, Waterstones is delighted to have found a new home. In fact, we can now even think of it as a blessing in disguise. We will return with a spanking new shop in very nice premises. It promises to be a lovely new bookshop to which we look forward greatly to welcoming back our customers. The many letters of regret we received from readers in Wimbledon on our closure was greatly appreciated, as is the enthusiasm that we return, along with the practical help of Love Wimbledon to the achievement of this."
Helen Clark Bell, BID Manager commented “We have worked tirelessly with Waterstones to find the right location for them so that they can return to Wimbledon Town Centre. They have been missed by the Wimbledon community and we are delighted we will have a brand new store in our town centre selling books, stationery and other useful accessories”.
The council’s cabinet member for regeneration, environment and housing, Councillor Martin Whelton praised the role played by Love Wimbledon and said: “This is really good news for Wimbledon and I know that there will be many people happy to see the bookshop’s return as their presence has been sorely missed. As a council we are committed to seeing a strong retail presence and a diverse range of shops that attract people to Wimbledon."
The new store will be furnished with the latest interiors from the group. Waterstones Wimbledon will tailor its range to reflect the trends and interests of the local market, as well as stocking popular bestsellers. According to Love Wimbledon, Halfords, who current occupy the site, are consolidating their premises as they are opening a large store on Plough Lane.
June 10, 2016