International Quarter London (IQL), the £2.4bn joint venture development between Lendlease and LCR, has boosted its retail offering by signing two independent food and drink operators to Stratford’s newest mixed-use neighbourhood.
Signorelli and Figo will take 1,146 sq. ft. and 3,024 sq. ft. spaces respectively, joining recently opened Tonkotsu and Pret a Manger.
The news reinforces the joint venture partners’ commitment to bringing local London talent to the developing E20 region. The aim is to combine popular East London operators with best-in-class national brands, providing a wide variety of choice for tenants, residents and visitors. East London bakery, Signorelli, and Italian restaurant, Figo (an expansion from Bella Vita in Hackney’s Broadway Market) will open their second outlets, whilst Tonkotsu’s Stratford outpost is the popular ramen eatery’s seventh in the capital.
Guy Thomas, Head of Retail at Lendlease, commented, “As IQL continues to grow, we are constantly shaping its retail offer to meet the needs of our residents, commercial tenants and the wider local community. The addition of popular local operators such as Signorelli and Figo offering artisanal produce, alongside national brands, showcase Lendlease’s long-term commitment to creating diverse destinations that establish a sense of community and place.”
David Joy, Chief Executive of LCR, said, “The arrival of Figo and Signorelli will provide an exciting boost for IQL’s food and beverage offer. Those who live, work and shop in Stratford will be able to sample the diverse and flavoursome food offering, which is reflective of East London’s quirky character.”
Alberto Rosmini, Head Baker and Owner of Signorelli, said, “We joined the Stratford adventure three years ago and our business has since gone from strength to strength with support from the landlords Lendlease and LCR. We are keen to continue our growth within this fast developing area, and are privileged to bring our 'made-in-E20' artisan products to tenants such as TfL, FCA and Unicef.”
Tony Manconi, Founder of Figo, added, “IQL provides a unique and lively local landscape in the heart of East London, making it the perfect location for us to launch our new concept where we can successfully grow our customer base and reach. As landlords, Lendlease and LCR have supported our journey, and we’re pleased to announce we’ll be part of this new and inclusive dining and leisure space.”
The new additions are scheduled to open over the coming months and will be located in or around Endeavour Square; the lively new public space at the heart of IQL. Endeavour Square sits at the gateway to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and is also where IQL’s new pavilion will be sited. This will house two restaurants, a café, the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park visitors’ centre, and an accessible roof terrace within its striking multi-story design.
The announcement of the new tenants is just the latest sign of gathering momentum at IQL. Transport for London have just passed their one year anniversary at IQL and with the Financial Conduct Authority and Unicef UK also having moved in this summer, there are now around 6,300 employees based at IQL. Next year, Cancer Research UK will re-locate its HQ, closely followed by the British Council in early 2020, bringing thousands more workers, which will further boost footfall for retailers, in addition to the 2.6 million people that visit the neighbouring London Stadium each year.