Sainsbury’s announces plans to open a new local store in Greenwich
Sainsbury's has announced plans to return to Blackheath with a new store, decades after it departed the area. The supermarket and Morden College are working together on proposals for a new Sainsbury’s Local in the vacant former shoe shop at 25-27 Tranquil Vale in Blackheath.
The scheme would see the return of a Sainsbury’s store after decades of absence, a short distance from its original Blackheath Village store. Morden College, which owns the Tranquil Vale building, has worked closely with Sainsbury’s on plans to bring this prominent building back into use for the local community, if planning permission is approved by Lewisham Council.
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An application for planning consent, as well as a separate advertisement application, has now been submitted.
It includes plans for:
A new Sainsbury’s local convenience store and internal renovation works to fit it out
The retention of the 20th-century shop front, apart from a new internal entrance door and discreet ramp for disabled and pushchair access
Partial demolition and reconfiguration of the non-listed outbuilding to the rear. This will include a small extension to allow for a new access lift and staircase and the provision of plant equipment
Discreet shop front advertising and signage, ensuring the new Sainsbury’s fits seamlessly into the heart of Blackheath
Sainsbury’s has also been in discussion with the highway authority about proposals to split the double loading bay that is currently located on the north side of Tranquil Vale.
This would enable one delivery bay to be moved to the southern side of the road, with one remaining on the north side. This will secure a road safety benefit as currently, retailers on the south side have to transport deliveries across Tranquil Vale from the loading bays.
David Pilbeam, Sainsbury’s head of acquisitions and capital projects, said: "We’re passionate about delicious food and we want to make it easier for customers to access it wherever we can, so we’re delighted to confirm our plans for a new Sainsbury’s Local in Blackheath.
"If our proposals are approved, this investment will create new jobs and a convenient new place for people to shop locally while regenerating this part of the high street for the community."
Edward Mileham, head of real estate at Morden College, said: "Morden College has been at the heart of Blackheath since 1695, and provides much-needed Alms housing for older residents.
"The new Sainsbury’s will be a vital enhancement to our Charity endowment asset and will provide a brand-new convenience store for our Blackheath residents and staff. We are delighted to be partnering with Sainsbury’s and supporting the introduction of a great British brand into our community."
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