Cadogan secures first retail tenants at Chelsea mixed-use development

Cadogan Estates has secured its first retail signings at The Gaumont, a £235m mixed-use development on Chelsea’s King’s Road.

The new signings are independent businesses New Forms, BookBar, and Art Play, bringing a blend of art, music, and literature to the neighbourhood. All three tenants are set to open in late spring 2025.

Independent bookshop, wine, and coffee bar BookBar will take a 1,242 sq ft unit, creating a literary scene through author talks, book clubs, and events, while also providing a space for late night browsing and drinking four days a week.

New Forms will occupy 1,045 sq ft as a vinyl café and boutique record shop, created by the team behind Next Door Records. It will also feature a music-led bar that hosts events and collaborations with artists and musicians.

Art Play will initially establish itself at 20a Chelsea Manor Street before relocating to a larger 2,200 sq. ft space at 5 Chelsea Manor Street. The Shoreditch-founded brand’s Chelsea expansion will offer a space for artists and art fans alike. It will also provide workshops, exhibitions, and a collaborative environment for the local art community.

This marks the first phase of singings for The Gaumont, a 220,000 sq. ft mixed-use building, which will look to deliver Cadogan’s long-term vision to create a new commercial and cultural anchor for the King’s Road. It will feature flagship retail, a revitalised independent cinema, creative and office spaces, hospitality venues including a rooftop bar, and a pub theatre, as well as a significant public art installation.

Hugh Seaborn, CEO at Cadogan, said: “The Gaumont is a new landmark that celebrates the community, heritage, and artistic spirit of Chelsea. From the outset, we have collaborated closely with local residents to shape a development that reflects their vision, celebrating Chelsea’s cultural heritage, while supporting its thriving creative scene. Welcoming BookBar, New Forms, and Art Play will establish Chelsea Manor Street as a dynamic day-to-night destination for both locals and visitors. We look forward to seeing these businesses thrive and contribute to the continued evolution of King’s Road as a world-class cultural and retail destination.”