Sainsbury's set to open new South London store in one of city's most desirable neighbourhoods

Sainsbury's is set to move into a former Blackheath shoe shop that has been empty for a year. The British supermarket chain is preparing to open a Sainsbury's Local convenience store in the former home of Parés Footwear located on the high street of the sought-after London village.

Plans submitted to Lewisham Council show that the retailer intends to refurbish the three-storey 18th century building on Tranquil Vale and fit a new lift and staircase in advance of the shop's opening. The new store would occupy the ground floor and basement of the Grade II listed property, which is a few minutes' walk from Blackheath station.

As part of the refurbishment, a staircase and lift will be installed to connect the ground floor and basement, the building will undergo an internal fit out, and a ramp will be provided to the entrance.

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Parés, a kids' footwear shop, closed in November last year after over a decade trading from the building, which is owned by Morden College—a charity that supports older people.

According to planning documents submitted to the council on behalf of the charity, Parés failed to keep the building in good repair while occupying it and made planning applications that were unsupported by Morden College.

The documents add: "Since the footwear store closed Morden College have been working in partnership with Sainsbury's to bring forward a sympathetic proposal that sits well in the context of the listed building."

Lewisham Council will make a decision on the charity's and Sainsbury's joint application to refurbish the former shoe shop at a later date.

Got a story? Email robert.firth@reachplc.com.

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