The Palmhouse proposes to be an exciting game-changer in the Putney foodie-scene

Artist impression of The Palmhouse

In February 2018 BlackRock UK proposed making the Exchange Shopping Centre roof top an evening venue, however the proposals were were withdrawn a spokesperson for the company said "to reconsider the proposals in light of some of the constructive comments received during the consultation period".

A release from BlackRock UK Property Fund states that the company is "a committed long-term owner and investor in the Putney Exchange Shopping Centre" and that they "are acutely aware of the current structural changes taking place in the retail sector and the accompanying challenges it brings to shopping environments".

In response they have advised neighbouring residents of their new plans which they will be submitting to the Planning department in December for the rooftop - the Palmhouse. This is to be a concept venue to be known as The Palmhouse, which would comprise a fully-enclosed, lightweight structure to be erected in a slightly different position in the eastern section of the top deck of the roof car park, above the H&M shop and overlooking Putney High Street, to
accommodate "a brand new dining concept incorporating a glorious roof-top garden featuring evergreen trees and shrubbery, ‘living’ walls with climbing plants allied to a high quality fit-out incorporating bespoke flooring and furniture".

The design also includes water re-cycling and other ‘green’ sustainability initiatives to contribute to the mitigation of the high degree of air-pollution in and around Putney High Street. Matt Keightley, an RHS Chelsea Flower Show award-winner (twice!) has been recruited to assist with the design and function of the venue with regard to the planting / garden element; indeed, the project also comes with the full endorsement of the Royal Horticultural Society insofar as it relates to sustainability and environmental considerations.

To allow residents to view the proposed project the company are holding two consultation sessions to be held at Putney Exchange. This will incorporate a display of presentation boards in-situ for the public to view at their leisure and, in addition, personnel from Incipio Group,
the organisation behind the proposals which would also run the venue, will be on-hand and delighted to discuss the proposals in more detail on the following occasions (located near Superdrug – Ground Floor):

Wednesday 14th November; 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm, and
Saturday 17th November; midday until 3:00 pm

A spokesperson said: "We very much hope that the local residents like and support what we are proposing and encourage them to take the opportunity to visit the Centre to view these exciting plans for the creation of The Palmhouse which, we firmly believe, represent an exciting game-changer and crucially provide a point of difference for the Putney foodie-scene. We firmly
believe that these proposals will deliver a really successful attraction for the town centre, its residents and visitors alike".

We are advised that the proposed hours of operation would be Wednesday to Sunday – with all licensable activities finishing at 11pm (10.30pm Sundays). All deliveries and servicing of the unit will occur as part of the current shopping centre schedules.

A spokesperson for BlackRock advised this website that "a number of solutions are being employed to soundproof the venue – this information will be covered at the consultation and in the planning application".

November 13, 2018