The retailers include:

ånd Fragrance – An independent perfume shop run by ex-Lush head buyer, Simon Constantine

Pen Gallery – A not-for-profit contemporary art gallery and store

Paintshop Studio – A creative design studio

Ten Food Naked – A zero waste grocery shop

Viper Gin – A Dorset-based gin company

These new businesses will join a community of traders on Kingland Crescent and retailers at neighbouring Dolphin Shopping Centre.

The development is being targeted to local, independent businesses with a vibrant shopping experience with the local community in mind. There is space for ten retailers, that will benefit from no rent or business rates for two years in the hope of developing an exciting new retail environment.

The shopping district is owned by Legal & General, which also bought the Dolphin Shopping Centre in 2013.

Centre manager of the Dolphin Shopping Centre and KINGLAND, John Grinnell, said, “We have been working closely with our owners at Legal & General to revive our high street and create a visionary shopping experience for our local communities to enjoy. Owing to changes in consumer trends, the UK retail sector has undergone a seismic shift in recent years and, as a knock-on effect of the pandemic, people are choosing to shop locally more than ever —shopping habits have changed with consumers putting a larger focus on supporting small businesses at this time.

“KINGLAND has already become a strong community hub. Once lockdown restrictions are lifted and shoppers can return, it will come into its own, offering a lively and energetic shopping experience that our locals will actually want to visit and support.”

Simon Constantine, owner of ånd fragrance, said, “KINGLAND already feels like a small community emerging. All the store owners are supporting one another despite not being able to actually meet at the moment. I expect it to be a very warm and inviting experience to shop at KINGLAND, with some truly inspiring stores and products. KINGLAND will showcase the best of what small independent businesses can offer a town.”

KINGLAND is already home to a wide range of new independent businesses, including Wild Roots, Greenslade Fish, Restored Retro, Grounded Coffee and HUX Custom Surfboards and Café.

Head of retail and futuring at LGIM Real Assets, Denz Ibrahim, said, “With the ultimate mission to make incredible places for people, KINGLAND is a true physical manifestation of what can happen when you offer the local creative community a platform to launch their ideas and share their stories.

“We believe we have a responsibility to ensure our retail places are future ready and remain dynamic; responding to our human desire for social connections. Our role as the owner is shifting from what was historically ‘the librarian’ (collecting rent and cleaning) to an ‘editor’ of space, where we curate the environments to ensure we have the right content, at the right time, in the right places.

“We are super proud of the first ten selected brands opening their doors in KINGLAND, and we look forward to building on this momentum.”

The redevelopment of Kingland Crescent is the first step in the long-term plans for the area which will see innovation and investment in the neighbouring Dolphin Shopping Centre.
Shoppers are encouraged to follow the centre’s social media channels and check the website for more updates on the scheme and opening plans in line with government guidance.

Please visit www.dolphinshoppingcentre.co.uk for more information.