This is the second Waitrose store which St James has built in conjunction with the John Lewis Partnership, following on from the successful Waitrose store at Trinity Place in Raynes Park town centre.
The development is the first of a series of redundant office buildings to be redeveloped in East Putney. Alongside the Little Waitrose, Langham Square will include a Costa café, a restaurant, office space and a new public square. On the upper floors, the residential offering comprises a collection of luxury two and three bedroom apartments and penthouses all with private outdoor space with views over the City and the River Thames. In total there are 104 apartments, 21 of which will be affordable, shared ownership delivered in conjunction with Notting Hill Housing.
The site was acquired by St James in March 2010 with planning secured by June 2011. Works started in July 2011 and the project is due for completion this May, with all of the apartments sold off plan.
Sean Ellis, Chairman of St James Group said: "Working with the John Lewis Partnership again here in Putney seemed a natural fit with the St James brand, creating a strong sense of place and providing real benefit for both our new residents and the wider community as well'.
Ravi Govindia, Councillor for Wandsworth comments: "I'm delighted to open Wandsworth's first Waitrose convenience store here at Langham Square. The shop will be a valuable addition to East Putney and brings another 49 new jobs to our borough.
"Not long ago this site was home to an outdated and largely empty office building, but has now been utterly transformed. It's an attractive, high quality development that sets a high standard for others to follow on Upper Richmond Road."