Fancy venturing into a retail haven that echoes Bromley’s wooded past? That’s the Glades Shopping Centre for you. Opened on Tuesday October 22 1991 this shopping center has become a cornerstone of Bromley High Street.
The Glades wasn’t just named randomly. Bromley residents suggested names. The winning name reflected Bromley’s history as a wooded area. You might notice tree-like balustrades and fern-mimicking car park railings as subtle nods to this history.
Initially, Capital Shopping Centres Group owned it. It was later rebranded as Intu Bromley in the summer of 2013. However, the center reverted to its original name. This happened after Intu Properties sold it.
Who owns the Glades now? The Alaska Permanent Fund owns most of it. The London Borough of Bromley retains a 15% stake. So you could say Alaska has a significant interest in Bromley’s shopping scene.
The Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation acquired the majority shareholding. The deal amounted to u00a3177 million in 2016. Before that Intu Properties plc and Aviva held ownership.
Inside the Glades expect a vast array of shops. There are approximately 135 stores. These stores trade from 464000 square feet. You’ll find major retailers such as Marks & Spencer Boots and H&M.
Don’t miss Regent Arcade. It is a parade of small boutique shops. It runs from Elmfield Road to the lower mall beneath Waterstones.
The Glades has expanded over the years. A u00a325 million extension was completed. It is close to the main entrance. This involved demolishing buildings on the High Street. Several existing units within the Glades were also removed.
In 2009 River Island extended its mezzanine floor. This created a larger menswear section. The staff room was moved to the ground floor.
The Restaurant Terrace is another addition. Completed in July 2016 it houses several restaurants. You can find Wagamama and Byron Hamburgers there.
Did you know the Glades has a hidden wildlife haven? It’s called Wild Glades. This micro-ecosystem sits on the roof. Artecology helped design this eco-space. The goal was to create a wildlife-friendly shopping center.
Wild Glades features bird boxes and insect hotels. It also has wild planting and solitary bee habitats. It even won the Big Biodiversity Challenge in 2021. The judges praised its high-quality enhancements. They also commended the follow-up monitoring.
Feeling overwhelmed? The Glades offers a Safe Sanctuary. This is a place to go if you feel anxious. Just ask a staff member for help.
So next time you’re here remember the Glades is more than just shops. It’s a blend of history nature and community. It’s a unique part of Bromley’s identity.