Third.i Group secures supermarket as first commercial leasing at Vauxhall’s Graphite Square

Third.i Group, the British division of Australian developer Third.i, has signed Sainsbury’s as its first commercial tenant at the Graphite Square regeneration scheme in Vauxhall, London.

The supermarket retailer has agreed to take a ground floor unit on a substantial lease term, with the store expected to open in the first half of 2026.

Sainsbury’s will look to provide convenience and neighbourhood retailing to Graphite Square’s 250 plus residents, as well as the residential community within Vauxhall and Nine Elms alongside the area’s working and commuting population.

The store will blend into Graphite Square’s new public realm which aims to improve pedestrian connectivity between Vauxhall station and Albert Embankment. Designed by Ben Adams Architects, the public realm has been integrated into the wider development, featuring dedicated urban greening additions and contemporary street furniture.

Julian Baker, sales director at Third.i Group (UK), said: “The arrival of Sainsbury’s Local at Graphite Square marks an important first step in bringing every day, community-focused retail to the heart of Vauxhall and reinforces Third.i’s vision for Graphite Square as a dynamic mixed-use development. This leasing reflects our commitment to delivering developments that respond to modern urban lifestyles and contribute meaningfully to Vauxhall’s future.”

Jonathan Arthur, Sainsbury’s head of convenience property development, added: “We’re bringing Sainsbury’s to more people across the UK with our biggest investment in stores in a decade, and we’re excited to expand our presence into the new Graphite Square development. We have a proud history of serving the community in Vauxhall from our existing stores, and we were drawn to Graphite Square for its central position within a rapidly growing neighbourhood, strong future footfall and the opportunity to serve residents, workers and commuters from a modern, purpose‑built location. We look forward to building on our success from this brand‑new site once it opens.”

Third.i said its agents USP and CBRE are actively considering opportunities from tenants across the scheme’s remaining 60,000+ sq ft of commercial space. The agents are prioritising blue-chip occupiers from the public sector, technology, and healthcare markets.

DLC acted on behalf of Third.i.