Carluccio’s will take the lease of a new restaurant that will be created out of what were originally the premises of WH Smith.

As promised, the first phase of the Spires’ facelift will retain the historic twin spires of the former Barnet Methodist Church.

A planning application submitted by the Spires (Barnet) Ltd proposes the removal of the existing rotunda over the High Street entrance.

Charlotte Dunlop, Spires’ asset manager for the William Pears property group, said the first phase would “provide an open and appealing gateway to the shopping centre, with more natural light and a high quality design enticing in new retailers and shoppers”.

a direct result of feedback from the local community

Another new feature outlined in the planning application is to change the former gym on the first floor into either shops, offices or a restaurant. 

There would also be new, natural stone paving within the shopping centre between the High Street entrance and the first open courtyard. 

Ms Dunlop said local consultations over the proposals had helped inform the design process and the twin spires would be retained “as a direct result of feedback from the local community”.

If local residents have any questions or would like to receive further updates they should contact Jessica Stewart at Comm Comm UK on 020 7125 0421 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

The application will also be available to view on Barnet Council’s website.

Notices has been posted at the entrance to the Spires stating that Carluccio’s have applied for a licence to serve alcoholic drinks in the new restaurant.

Any representations or objections must be sent to the London Borough of Barnet licensing department by 20 May.