Wandsworth’s former Debenhams store will be converted into a new entertainment venue

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The boss of an entertainment venues company said places like his were the ‘future of the high street’ as he revealed plans to bring karting and live music to the former Diphenhams store. London.

Grand Active Entertainment has signed a lease to build 80,000 square feet on four floors at Southside Mall in Wandsworth. The department store there closed early last year.

The redesigned site will have an electronic karting area, and darts, table tennis and pool tables will be available for guests.

There will also be a New York themed venue with 16 full-length bowling alleys, an American restaurant and a cocktail bar.

It should open in the summer.

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The deal marks a vote of confidence in the post-coveted retirement sector and will be welcomed by owners when they see many retailers closing stores due to difficult conditions on the shopping streets.

It was revealed last month that Debenhams would begin closing its 124 stores as a bailout deal was not reached for the sick chain.

Harvey Jenkinson, Managing Director of Gravity, who started as a trampoline park operator in 2014, said: “We believe such ideas will be the future of the high street with retail closures, providing a solution for homeowners related to filling space and attracting more visitors to shopping malls. “

The shopping center is owned by Landsek and Invesco Real Estate.

David Heford, Landscheck’s Managing Director for Development, said: “Entertainment is increasingly an integral part of a whole space, and attraction is a significant addition to Southside’s current offering.