£46 million transformation of Sloane Street begins with Dior doubling store size

London landlord Cadogan has revealed the £46 million transformation of South West London’s Sloane Street is underway, with Christian Dior relocating to a 9,000 sq ft store at 196-198 Sloane Street, double the size of its current unit at number 31, in July 2023.

Prior to that, Kiton is opening a new store at 49 Sloane Street in May, and Louis Vuitton is ‘growing up’ by adding another trading floor at 190-192 Sloane Street, which will give it an additional 1,874 sq ft of shop space.

The two-year program to revamp the iconic luxury fashion street also includes Valentino upgrading its presence to a 8,170 sq ft townhouse at 185-186 Sloane Street, set to open in 2024, and Bottega Veneta extending its current space at 33 Sloane Street.

Set to be the most significant streetscape improvements since it was originally commissioned by the 1st Earl Cadogan in the 18th Century, the project - funded by Cadogan and delivered in partnership with Kensington and Chelsea Council - will “transform and enhance the vibrant neighbourhood and globally renowned home of luxury retail”.

The project will also create green boulevard spanning from Knightsbridge to Sloane Square, due for completion at the end of 2024, and the £46 million investment includes significant widening of the street’s pavements, along with a planting scheme, elegant street furniture and enhanced lighting.

Hugh Seaborn, CEO of Cadogan, said: “These works will strengthen Sloane Street’s position as a global destination for luxury retail and create an even more desirable environment for local residents and businesses - creating a more beautiful, inspiring, greener, cleaner and better-connected environment.

“As the majority, long-term landowner on Sloane Street, we have a dedicated objective and responsibility – to protect the area’s historical significance but also ensure it is one of the world’s most elegant and desirable luxury shopping destinations.”

London architects John McAslan + Partners, whose recent work includes the transformation of King’s Cross Station, are leading on the public realm masterplan and the landscape, with planting overseen by multiple Chelsea Flower Show winner, Andy Sturgeon. He will follow a ‘royal’ colour palette of rich maroons, reds, purples and blues for the diverse and climate resilient mix of flowers, shrubs and over 100 new trees.

Councillor Elizabeth Campbell, Leader of Kensington and Chelsea Council, commented: “Sloane Street is already a world-famous shopping destination, contributing hugely to the economy. The thing that makes it different from other luxury shopping destinations in London is that it is also at the heart of a local neighbourhood and as a council we are making our borough greener, safer and fairer for everyone that lives and works here, as well as our many visitors.

“This partnership to create a greener street and safer environment for pedestrians will make Sloane Street another amazing space in Kensington and Chelsea.”