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London Paddington retail on the rise

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London’s Paddington station has seen a sharp increase in retail sales over recent months, rising by 40 per cent between April and June 2017.

This comes as the Paddington Lawn development is completed. The £13 million upgrade commenced in July 2015 and has introduced 16 high-end retail units. These have been leased by brands such as Kiehls and Thomas Pink, bringing a new look to Paddington retail.

Named after the site of a former stationmaster’s garden, the Lawn now sits alongside a refurbished, open-plan ticket office.

The Grade 1 listed station is preparing for an increase in passenger traffic once the Elizabeth line (Crossrail) platforms open next year. Network Rail is working with English Heritage to ensure that Brunel’s 163-year-old station is updated sympathetically ready for the rush.

Network Rail commercial director for retail Hamish Kiernan commented, ‘The completion of Paddington Lawn gives commuters a new high-quality shopping experience. Convenience shopping has never been more popular, and our stations are becoming destinations in their own right due to the wide range of new retailers and food options available to commuters and visitors alike.

‘Britain’s railway stations are great symbols of our industrial heritage, and regeneration projects like Paddington Lawn ensure the spaces created by Victorian visionaries remain relevant and fit-for-purpose.’

Interestingly, part of the increase in visitors has been attributed to the popular Paddington movie, and the release of Paddington 2 in November is eagerly anticipated.

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