Redevelopment of dated building signals new opportunity for ex-army entrepreneurs.
Having been purchased by Aklam Group, the much-needed redevelopment of the outmoded eyesore at 208 - 212 High Street is expected to begin within months.
Along with forty new, quality homes, the new building will provide a modern retail unit appealing to a significantly improved commercial offering.
Indeed, a forward thinking and creative commercial tenant for the ground floor has already been attracted. From the team that delivered Orpington GPO, an exciting new concept is on its way to the high street. Orpington Market Place (OMP) will be home to a collective of business owners with a shared passion for sustainable, quality, British produce.
First and foremost, OMP is an indoor market - but one at which you can meet, sit, eat and drink. A Café/delicatessen headed up GPO Head Chef, Rob Theron, will complement a selection of independent retailers, each running their own business from the marketplace, with a mixture of seating creating a community culture centred around food and drink.
Following a great first eighteen months for the restaurant and bar, Orpington GPO owners Tom Walker and Sam Westlake seized the opportunity to invest further in the high street and bring an innovative new retail experience to a key location in the town centre - a central position, sandwiched between two successful hospitality businesses. OMP will have an emphasis on fresh produce, with a range of street food options.
Sam Westlake, said, “The concept is geared towards a continental market experience, where you can enjoy everything from patisserie to an artisan sandwich, over a nice cup of coffee, surrounded by buzzing market stalls.”
It’s a concept that embraces the trend towards experience-based shopping, mindful of the idea that a mix of different uses, opportunities for homegrown independents, along with quality new homes, will retain the vitality of high streets as they evolve.
Tom Walker explained that the core principles of buying local, and buying well, are integral from inception to delivery.
“We’re looking to work with likeminded people who share our core values - quality produce, community first, experience driven, and we’d welcome a conversation with people who would like to be a part of this.”
A 2024 launch is anticipated.
