X+why sets up shop in W.RE’s Arding & Hobbs building

Flex operator x+why has signed for space in W.RE’s historic Arding & Hobbs building in Clapham Junction. The office firm will occupy the building’s third floor, taking 27,500 sq ft. Built in 1910, the Grade II listed building at 315 Lavender Hill, SW11, was south London’s first purpose-built department store. It was left mostly empty after Debenhams’ collapse in 2020. Developer W.RE acquired the building in 2018 for £48m and has since turned it into a 90,000 sq ft mixed-use scheme, with tenants such as luxury health club and gym Third Space and the Imbiba-backed London bar group Albion & East. Rupert Dean, chief executive and co-founder of x+why, said: “At x+why we are always looking to partner with like-minded landlords in the best buildings and locations, and so are delighted to have the opportunity to partner with W.RE in the special Arding & Hobbs and bring our forward-thinking hospitality offering south of the river to Clapham Junction in this historic building. “Modern work is not about going into the office to sit at a desk and this offer will not only service the tenants of the building but also the local community who can now access this incredible space as part of hybrid working or as a space to have fun.” Sascha Lewin, chief executive at W.RE, said: “We are thrilled to be working with x+why, who share so much of our vision when it comes to bringing this building to life, not least through our joint commitment as B Corps to creating a sustainable space. We are excited to return the iconic Arding and Hobbs to its original role as a convener for Clapham Junction, with many of its beautiful features restored, and look forward to seeing it as a destination of choice for workers and residents in South London.” See more lettings in Clapham Junction >> Photo © x+why