Sainsbury’s is set to transform a former shoe shop into a convenience store in Blackheath, pending council approval.
Sainsbury’s is preparing to expand its retail footprint in London with plans to establish a Sainsbury’s Local convenience store in a former shoe shop in Blackheath. The location, formerly home to Parés Footwear, has remained vacant since its closure in November 2022, after over a decade of trading. Nestled prominently on the high street of the desirable London village, the new venture is set to enhance the area’s shopping offerings.
The British supermarket chain intends to undertake significant refurbishment work on the three-storey 18th-century building situated on Tranquil Vale. The renovation plans submitted to Lewisham Council include the installation of a lift and a new staircase to connect the ground floor, where the main store will operate, to the basement. Additionally, a ramp will be incorporated to facilitate access at the entrance, ensuring improved accessibility for all customers.
The three-storey Grade II listed property is only a short walk from Blackheath station, positioning it conveniently for local shoppers. The building’s ownership lies with Morden College, a charity focused on supporting older people, which has been working closely with Sainsbury’s to realise a proposal that respects the historical and architectural significance of the location.
According to the submitted planning documents, Parés Footwear faced challenges during its tenancy, struggling to maintain the property’s condition and failing to support planning applications made to Morden College. The charity has expressed a commitment to revitalising the site, stating that the collaboration with Sainsbury’s could yield a thorough and considerate redevelopment of the former store.
The decision regarding the application for refurbishment from Morden College and Sainsbury’s is currently pending at Lewisham Council. The outcome will determine the future of the space and whether Sainsbury’s can initiate its plans to bring a new supermarket to the community.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.fromthemurkydepths.co.uk/2024/10/19/blackheath-village-could-see-new-sainsburys-open/ – Corroborates the plans for a new Sainsbury’s in Blackheath Village, including the location at 25-27 Tranquil Vale and the involvement of Morden College.
- https://www.fromthemurkydepths.co.uk/2024/10/19/blackheath-village-could-see-new-sainsburys-open/ – Supports the information about the building being formerly home to Parés Footwear and its vacancy since November 2022.
- https://www.fromthemurkydepths.co.uk/2024/10/19/blackheath-village-could-see-new-sainsburys-open/ – Details the refurbishment plans, including the installation of a lift, a new staircase, and a ramp for improved accessibility.
- https://www.fromthemurkydepths.co.uk/2024/10/19/blackheath-village-could-see-new-sainsburys-open/ – Confirms the building’s Grade II listed status and its proximity to Blackheath station.
- https://www.fromthemurkydepths.co.uk/2024/10/19/blackheath-village-could-see-new-sainsburys-open/ – Mentions Morden College’s ownership and their commitment to preserving the historical and architectural significance of the location.
- https://www.fromthemurkydepths.co.uk/2024/10/19/blackheath-village-could-see-new-sainsburys-open/ – Discusses the challenges faced by Parés Footwear and the failure to support previous planning applications.
- https://www.fromthemurkydepths.co.uk/2024/10/19/blackheath-village-could-see-new-sainsburys-open/ – Highlights Morden College’s commitment to revitalising the site through the collaboration with Sainsbury’s.
- https://www.fromthemurkydepths.co.uk/2024/10/19/blackheath-village-could-see-new-sainsburys-open/ – Mentions the pending decision on the refurbishment application at Lewisham Council.
- https://www.fromthemurkydepths.co.uk/2024/10/19/blackheath-village-could-see-new-sainsburys-open/ – Supports the overall plan for Sainsbury’s to bring a new supermarket to the Blackheath community.
- https://www.fromthemurkydepths.co.uk/2024/10/19/blackheath-village-could-see-new-sainsburys-open/ – Provides context on the collaboration between Sainsbury’s and Morden College to respect the historical significance of the location.
