Livat Hammersmith: The Evolution of a London Retail and Residential Landmark
Located in the heart of the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, Livat Hammersmith represents a significant transformation in urban mixed-use development. Formerly known as the Kings Mall, this expansive complex off King Street integrates retail, residential, and office spaces into a single, interconnected destination. Operated by the Ingka Centres division of INGKA Holding, the site has evolved from a traditional shopping mall into a modern community hub.
The complex is a multifaceted development that includes a major shopping centre, a dedicated car park, two distinct housing estates—Ashcroft Square and Sovereign Court—and the One Lyric Square office building. This integration of living, working, and shopping makes it a vital component of the Hammersmith landscape.
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Key Facts
- Former Name: Kings Mall
- Opened: 3 April 1979
- Major Anchor Tenants: IKEA, Primark, and Sainsbury's
- Total Floor Area: 292,057 sq ft (27,133.0 m²)
- Management: Ingka Centres Management UK Ltd
- Parking Capacity: 604 spaces
A Rich History of Transformation
The origins of the site date back to the mid-1970s. Designed by Richard Seifert and developed by St Martins Property Group, the residential apartments above the mall were constructed in 1973. The shopping centre itself officially opened on 3 April 1979, with a ceremony attended by Diana Dors and the then Mayor of Hammersmith.
Over the decades, the ownership and structure of the complex have undergone several major shifts:
- 2011: St Martins Property Group sold the Kings Mall to Matterhorn Capital for £115 million.
- 2015: Matterhorn Capital sold the shopping centre to Schroders for £153 million.
- 2016: A significant redevelopment occurred when the original car park and the West 45 office building were demolished to make way for new residential and parking facilities.
- 2020–2022: INGKA Centres purchased the centre, initiating a £170 million transformation. This project aimed to shift the focus from pure retail to a social meeting place. The centre reopened under the Livat brand on 4 February 2022, featuring a new IKEA store.
Complex Layout and Connectivity
The five-acre site is divided into two primary sections by the Hammersmith & City line railway line:
The Southern Section
Situated off King Street, the southern part contains the main shopping centre, the original Ashcroft Square housing estate, and the One Lyric Square office building. This area is located between Lyric Square to the east and Leamore Street to the west.
The Northern Section
Located north of the railway line off Glenthorne Road, this section houses the current car park and the Sovereign Court residential development. The two sections are seamlessly linked by a covered footbridge at the first-floor level, spanning the District and Piccadilly lines.
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Residential and Office Spaces
Livat Hammersmith is a significant provider of both social and luxury housing, alongside professional office accommodations.
Housing Estates
- Ashcroft Square: A local authority housing estate consisting of seven brick and concrete blocks arranged around a central courtyard. It sits directly above the main shopping centre.
- Sovereign Court: A luxury development completed in 2019 by St George (part of Berkeley Group Holdings). This single building ranges from 4 to 17 storeys and provides 418 luxury apartments.
Office Buildings
- One Lyric Square: A 14-storey Grade A office building offering 100,656 sq ft of space. It was constructed in the mid-1970s and is located adjacent to the shopping centre.
- West 45: Formerly an eight-storey office building, this structure was demolished in 2014 to facilitate the Sovereign Court development.
Summary of Site Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Stores | 27 |
| Anchor Tenants | 3 (IKEA, Primark, Sainsbury's) |
| Residential Units (Sovereign Court) | 418 apartments |
| Parking Spaces | 604 |
| Office Space (One Lyric Square) | 100,656 sq ft |
Transport and Accessibility
The complex is highly accessible via multiple transport modes:
- London Underground: The site is a short walk from Hammersmith Broadway (Piccadilly and District lines) and the Hammersmith & City/Circle line stations.
- Bus Services: Bus stop U, located outside Unit 1 on King Street, serves routes 27, 190, 266, 267, 391, H91, N9, and N11.
- Road Access: The car park is accessed via Cambridge Grove and Glenthorne Road.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Kings Mall and Livat Hammersmith?
Kings Mall was the original name of the shopping centre. Following a £170 million transformation and acquisition by INGKA Centres, it was rebranded as Livat Hammersmith to reflect its new focus as a community and meeting space.
Where is the Livat Hammersmith car park located?
The car park is situated to the rear of the development off Glenthorne Road, on the opposite side of the Hammersmith & City line railway from the main King Street entrance.
Which major retailers are located in the centre?
The primary anchor tenants are IKEA, Primark, and Sainsbury's, alongside 27 other stores.
How can I reach the centre using the Underground?
You can use either the Hammersmith Broadway station (Piccadilly and District lines) or the Hammersmith & City and Circle line stations, both of which are within walking distance.
Is there residential housing within the complex?
Yes, the complex includes Ashcroft Square, a local authority housing estate, and Sovereign Court, a luxury residential development.