John Lewis names sites for its ‘more than four walls’ newbuild flats

Retailer aims to start work on flats furnished with own products in Bromley, Ealing and Reading in 2024

John Lewis has chosen Bromley, Ealing and Reading as the pilot locations for its venture into building branded homes for the rental market, as the staff-owned retailer tries to create new communities around its stores.

Unveiling its plans in detail for the first time, the company said its one-, two- and three-bedroom flats will be furnished with John Lewis products and come complete with communal areas such as roof gardens, gyms, flexible office space or meeting rooms where events will be hosted to bring people together. The spaces will be used to host community and social events, attracting renters with an offer that is about more than just four walls", the company said.