Waitrose has announced plans to open a new 18,000 square foot supermarket in North West London, set to launch in autumn 2026. The upscale grocery chain will occupy the former Galtymore Ballroom site on Cricklewood Broadway, marking a significant multi-million pound investment in the area.
Prime Location and Accessibility
The new Waitrose store will be located at 194-196 Cricklewood Broadway, London NW2 3BN, just minutes from Cricklewood train station. The supermarket is designed as a convenient shopping destination, featuring a dedicated basement car park for customers. Currently, the nearest Waitrose branches are at Brent Cross shopping centre and a 'Little Waitrose' in West Hampstead, making this new store a strategic addition to bridge the gap between them.
Management Comments
Alun Jones, head of Waitrose physical estate, said: “Bridging the gap between our stores in Brent Cross and West Hampstead, Cricklewood is a brilliant location for Waitrose. Securing this iconic local building puts us at the centre of the high street near excellent transport links - the prime spot for our food-loving customers. We’re investing in new shops and as well as our existing estate as part of our commitment to our customers and the communities we operate in.”
Hannah Lewis-Moore, Waitrose's regional manager, added: “We’re delighted to be opening in Cricklewood and look forward to introducing our fantastic products and renowned Partner-led service to the local community. As we prepare for launch, we’ll be recruiting new Partners to join us in-store and we’re excited to welcome them and our new customers. We'll share more details of what’s to come soon.”
Broader Expansion Plans
This announcement follows Waitrose's recent entry into airport travel retail, with products now stocked in four RELAY stores at Heathrow Terminal 2. The Cricklewood store is part of a wider strategy that includes three additional shop openings in Hale Barns (South Manchester), Chelmer Village (Essex), and Ascot (Berkshire), along with refurbishments of 28 existing shops this year. Waitrose is investing £1 billion in a multi-year programme to enhance products, service, and shops nationwide.
The new Cricklewood store is expected to create local jobs and provide a high-quality shopping experience for residents in North West London. Further details on the opening and recruitment will be released in the coming months.
