Surrey Quays Shopping Centre — Attraction in London

Despite being fairly central and close to the river, it has the feel of a left-behind provincial English retail experience - uninspiring, a bit depressing; the landlords are clearly struggling to find retailers to fill all the spaces. I mean: let's be real: any retail park that has Tesco as its anchor store, 😏😴...the grocer is ultra-bland, utterly generic and you can find it on pretty much every street corner; i.e. it ain't special! And then one of the only other stores that could be worth the trip, Next, turns out to be a little apology of a concession within Tesco (which is a sure way to tarnish a reputation for mid-market quality, trends and value). And this poor old Next, lurking as it does just after... oh coincidence, Tesco's entire clothing dept -you would probably not notice the change of brand, it is as distinct as the bakery or in house pharmacy of Tesco. There's really nothing to say about the rest of what is a sparse, unatmospheric centre. I imagine it's losing out to the Charlton retail park which has Ikea and other big names. Disclaimer: there is a decent sized The Range here and I haven't explored it yet so this review excludes that part to be fair.

Finally, the centre recovers a point for its provision of clean, spacious public toilets with disabled access, running hot and cold water, mirrors, space to put your belongings that isn't the floor, a hook on the door etc, those simple basics that show respect for visitors. Good on them.

This last thing is not about the centre exactly but a little anecdote that tells a story. So in the big Tesco anchor store, the staff kindly directed me to their own gents toilet which was at the furthest opposite corner which I then walked to - it is quite a big shop. Get there, and all toilets are completely sectioned off behind health and safety hazards, semi-permanently out of order, no one mentioned it. As so often, when it doesn't directly put cash in their tills, Tesco can't be bothered. Give us your money but don't expect to be able to use the loo if you or the kids or someone you're with needs to suddenly. Let's just say, this tracks with general public opinion of Tesco its corporate culture and attitude...

Surrey Quays Shopping Centre, established in the 1980s, has been a longstanding retail hub in the Canada Water area. Many visitors have observed that the centre is in need of modernization to better serve the community’s evolving needs. In response, a comprehensive redevelopment plan, known as the Canada Water Masterplan, is underway to transform the area into a vibrant urban centre.

Canada Water Masterplan Overview: • Scope: The redevelopment encompasses a 46-acre site, including Surrey Quays Shopping Centre, Surrey Quays Leisure Park, the former Harmsworth Quays Printworks, the historical Dock Offices, and the former Rotherhithe Police Station.  • Objectives: The project aims to create a dynamic town centre featuring a mix of offices, retail spaces, leisure facilities, community areas, and new housing options catering to diverse demographics. 

Current Developments: • Demolition Plans: The existing Surrey Quays Shopping Centre is slated for demolition to make way for the new town centre. However, this will not occur until the completion of a new Tesco supermarket, ensuring continuous service for the community.  • Cultural Venue: A significant addition to the area is “Corner Corner,” a forthcoming music and food venue. This establishment will feature a performance space, a food hall, and London’s largest indoor commercial farm.  • Residential Expansion: Plans include constructing a new tower block with 384 homes, nearly half designated as affordable housing, alongside communal garden spaces. 

Community Feedback:

While the redevelopment promises substantial improvements, some residents have expressed concerns about being inadequately informed regarding the project’s progression and its implications for the local community. 

Conclusion:

The Surrey Quays Shopping Centre is poised for a significant transformation aimed at revitalizing the area and enhancing amenities for residents and visitors. During this transitional period, the centre continues to operate, but patrons may notice signs of the impending redevelopment. Staying informed about project updates is advisable for those interested in the centre’s future...

This is NOT a tourist destination. It is also NOT in need of demolition or heavy modernisation.

As 2020 and 2021 have killed a lot of retail, this shopping centre that serves the local people who live in the area will survive as long as it keeps doing what it is doing... but do a little better.

British Land who own it need to better maintain it and its 1980s aesthetics and maybe return some of the 1980s decor and maybe theme it as a 1980s shopping centre by getting its tenants to have 1980s signage etc. OK it might sound a bit rose tinted glasses but do we really want another bland glass and steel featureless structure with fewer shops?

The bad reviews calling it "dated" are the same people who back in the 1960s called Victorian and Art Deco "Dated" so I think at least ONE example of 1980s should be kept alive and this smaller shopping centre has a great start, just needs to replace the brass and the fountain.

The range of shops is fine for the area and are of a good size. It doesn't have delusions of grandeur it is for the people who live in that are of London to buy things in order to afford to live there.

I hope my review doesn't put anyone off going there, if you are having a long weekend or stay in London and you are in the area and you DONT have the cash to shop in Harrods everyday and you just need to get a few bits and bobs then this is the place you will get what you need... and what you didn't know you wanted...