London Museum has announced retail and leisure leasing opportunities at its new location at Smithfield market in Farringdon.
Retail and leisure consultancy Bruce Gillingham Pollard is seeking occupiers for six units to form part of a parade of shops and bars around the new museum.
The units, or houses, occupy a unique position around the 150,000-square-foot Victorian General Market building, which will be home to London Museum’s permanent galleries.
The houses face onto Farrington Road, Charterhouse Street and West Smithfield, and each property retains its original character and design.
Alec Shaw, director of new museum project and estate at London Museum, said: “From the beginning of this project, our vision for the museum has been to create something for London – with Londoners – that tells the rich and vibrant story of this city.
“These street-front spaces offer us an entirely new way to do this and we’re excited to work with partners who share our love for London, whether that’s music studios, independent retailers, charities, or favourite London brands.”
As above, the houses could host retail outlets and restaurant, or offices for charities and other organisations.
Parade of shops and bars around new museum
They will sit alongside the museum’s own F&B and retail offering, which includes a destination bar, restaurant and café.
Tracey Pollard, founding director of leasing at Bruce Gillingham Pollard, said: “This is truly a once-in-a-generation opportunity to be part of a team reviving one of London’s most exciting landmarks to be a civic magnet once more.
“The houses’ character, location, rich history, and positioning within a major cultural address, surrounded by global businesses, presents an entirely new concept to showcase London’s best brands.”
London Museum is transforming two historic Smithfield market buildings into its new home.
The first phase of the £437 million project – the permanent galleries in the General Market – is due to open in 2026.
The second phase – the museum‘s temporary exhibitions and collection stores in the 1960s Poultry Market – is scheduled to open in 2028.
“As we bring the market back to public use for the first time in almost four decades, we want to bring together a community that works in symbiosis with the museum and helps us shape a major new cultural quarter,” Shaw added.
Images courtesy of London Museum, lead image credit: Secchi Smith
