| Author |
Message |
Alan Foster
Joined N/A
| | Posted on Monday, 09 December, 2002 - 12:19 pm: | |
I'm not sure that Forest Hill actually benefits from an enlarged Sainsburys. Wasn't the store big enough already? I've never seen it packed to bursting, especially since the introduction of increased opening hours. Where we could have had six new independent shops, we'll now have more of the same existing one. |
WJ Crosbie
Joined N/A
| | Posted on Tuesday, 10 December, 2002 - 03:41 pm: | |
Glad to see those horrible buildings above are to be made into flats but yes, I thought it was big enough too. |
D Mercer
Joined N/A
| | Posted on Thursday, 02 January, 2003 - 12:58 pm: | |
I disagree about the existing store being big enough. I'm tired of familiar lines disappearing all the time. I have had to make loads of extra trips recently to the Savacentre to get things that used to be at the Forest Hill store, and without a car, that's a real pain. The more selection the better I think. And the disappearance of the empty shops can only do good things for the neighborhood. It may well encourage more stores to come to Forest Hill....that is, something other than the convenience stores and nail shops. What about a decent coffee shop or a Peacocks, for example. I love living in Forest Hill and it's time this area comes of age! |
John
Joined N/A
| | Posted on Thursday, 02 January, 2003 - 05:45 pm: | |
I share some of the sentiments of you all on this one. Yes, it would have been nice to have a mixture of good quality small retailers adjacent to the existing Sainsbury store, but Forest Hill finds it difficult to attract people who are prepared to make serious investment here. I own and rent-out 5 shops on Dartmouth Road, and I have only ever managed to let one of them on a lease of more than 3 years since 1986! Most of the people who look to open small shops in this area are only prepared to commit to a 6 to 12 month term at rents of up to £150 per week. So, on the whole, I am pleased that Sainsbury have decided to expand. In so doing they are making a long-term commiment to the area and they are providing additional car parking together with a new pedestrian access to London Road, which I am sure will be beneficial to all businesses in the centre of town. I feel confident that when the new scheme becomes reality and the building is up-and-running, Forest Hill will be smarter looking and more appealing as a place in which to invest. Then, with the addition of the Tube, provided it ever gets here, perhaps we will see our town flourish as it should, instead of being the 'poor relation' to Dulwich, Crystal Palace, Sydenham and, dare I say it, even Penge!
Happy and prosperous New Year to all!
John |
Adam Hunter
Joined N/A
| | Posted on Wednesday, 08 January, 2003 - 11:20 am: | |
Yes we do need a bigger Sainsburys. Whilst we all like the smaller more specialist shops it is the 'household brands' of the Sainsburys that attract many people to areas. The current Sainsburys isn't big enough, don't kid yourself there, it doesn't hold DVD titles/CDs/Many magazines it has no specialist food counters and as someone who lives with a vegitarian it is very poorly stocked on specialist foods like that. often you seen mobile shelves placed around the store to give just that little bit more room because the store is at bursting point. It will also be good to bring that store and its decor kicking and screaming into the 21st century. It has very little parking facilities and that also turns people away when they can drive an extra mile to savacentre, get 'more in one store' and not pay for parking. I have lived for 18 years in Forest Hill from born, I now live in Beckenham but still frequent FH.
A lot of shops have improved their facias, more and more estate agents have come into the area and it is improving. Its a lovely area to live in, with wonderful parks, an award winning museum, decent schools, all we need to really sort out now are the transport links,and get the remainder of the empty commercial premises occupied.
I applaude Sainsburys for doing this, granted it has taken some time but I belive that the end result will benefit all,Sainsburys PLC and local residents. |
AlanB
Joined N/A
| | Posted on Tuesday, 21 January, 2003 - 01:34 am: | |
I think these proposals are very impressive. And it will bring a fresh new look to the high street which can't be bad. I would like to support this new store over the Savacentre at Bell Green. However if I'm still charge for parking there (as is the case now) I know where I'll continue to shop. |
Brian whittle
Joined N/A
| | Posted on Thursday, 23 January, 2003 - 10:27 am: | |
At last, plans to tidy up London Road. It could well encourage other traders to move in. The size of the proposed store is very modest and the benefits to the area should be enormous. Let us hope that the Lewisham plans for regeneration will be enacted withour too much delay. |
Rob
Joined N/A
| | Posted on Thursday, 23 January, 2003 - 12:09 pm: | |
Any idea what's happening with the Forest Hill Development Strategy? I thought the report was due to be presented to Lewisham Council Planning Committee in December for adoption as Supplementary Planning Guidance, but there doesn't appear to be any progress report on the Council's website. |
Adrian
Joined N/A
| | Posted on Saturday, 25 January, 2003 - 08:12 pm: | |
I'm not sure whether Forest Hill needs a bigger Sainsbury's or not, or even whether that is the key point to debate. I welcome any investment in regenerating Forest Hill and improving that part of London Road. If Sainsbury's are the only company willing or able to deliver such investment, then they should be enabled to do so.
It's like the new Weatherspoon's pub that brought the old bingo hall back into use. I would much rather have seen a beautfiul but derelict building house something more useful to Forest Hill than a pub, but who apart from Weatherspoon's was going to pay?
What I think is important, and what I am committed to campaigning for, is that the design and construction of the expanded Sainsbury's and associated housing etc, is of the highest quality, both in terms of aesthetics and practicality. I would welcome all efforts that aim to make the most of any investment in our area. |
Cathy Seager
Joined N/A
| | Posted on Tuesday, 11 February, 2003 - 09:32 pm: | |
I agree with Adrian - it's great that Sainsbury's are doing something with their properties, but the new design doesn't seem to blend in with the other Victorian buildings in the area. They should look at the design of the new houses over the road next to the Capitol pub -where surrounding buildings have influenced the design. (If you want to see the proposed design look at the Features page). It doesn't have to be completely old fashioned, but be in keeping with the area. |
Sharon
Joined N/A
| | Posted on Tuesday, 01 April, 2003 - 05:43 pm: | |
Just seen the new plans for Sainsbury's in Forest Hill. It looks great and will be a real kick start for the regeneration plans.
New flats and a larger shop. Also the new flats and shops next to the Capital look good. What is happening to the old Spar next to the post office?
When is building proposed to begin on Sainsburys? |
David Williams
Joined N/A
| | Posted on Tuesday, 01 April, 2003 - 11:43 pm: | |
In the absense of a nice independent Coffee/Cappucinno/Cafe in Forest Hill. . .I feel a Starbucks in Sainsburys would not only fill a niche begging to be filled, but would very much add to the 'atmosphere' of the Village!
All in agreement please E-mail Sainsburys direct.
David Williams |
david williams
Joined N/A
| | Posted on Tuesday, 01 April, 2003 - 11:49 pm: | |
Come on Sainsburys!! follow Barratts example next to the old Capitol..ie Victorian architecture..Lets keep some unity in the Village..
So..if you're not going to make something 'special'..keep to a classic Victorian style that stands the test of time...
Please, please take note.
David Williams |
mj
Joined N/A
| | Posted on Wednesday, 02 April, 2003 - 10:28 am: | |
firstly, i don't want a starbucks! secondly sainsburys have obviously spent a lot of money trying to develope their site! we live in 21st century not the victorian age. Think the new amended design is good. |
matt
Joined N/A
| | Posted on Wednesday, 02 April, 2003 - 10:46 am: | |
The only architectual unity of the forest hill centre involves dilapidated buildings one step away from collapsing onto the main road. This isn't Hampstead! Besides, who would want to live in a Victorian museum, even if it were possible??
The great selling point of this Sainsbury's is that it is one of the very few in South London which is accessible to everyone in the community- unlike the ones in Sydenham, Dulwich and New Cross which were specifically designed to exclude shoppers without cars. Will the council/tfl be doing anything to improve the public transport facilities in the area to accomodate the majority of Sainsbury's customers who will have no use for the increased car park?
Also, I haven't seen anything about making the new shop accessible to people with disabilities. |
Mr T Square
Joined N/A
| | Posted on Wednesday, 02 April, 2003 - 03:30 pm: | |
Well, the existing Sainsbury's is accessible to those with disabilities - and under new Building Regulations, the new one will have to be too, so don't worry. It's not as if they'd make it worse anyway, is it?
On the architectural side of things (I work for an architects - and being as objective as I can it's quite a good one), the new Sainsbury's isn't great. In general Forest Hill is quite a happy mix of different styles, so I'm not sure we necessarily need something "Victorian". However this is the main shop in Forest Hill and could be quite a catalyst for regeneration. So it should be something reasonably prominent rather than totally low key.
The question is, then, why are we getting something second rate? Sainsbury is usually quite happy to spend on exciting buildings (Greenwich is "green", won lots of awards, Camden is I think by Norman Foster??) - but is giving us something a bit duff.
WE WANT FUNKY! |
Scott
Joined N/A
| | Posted on Monday, 07 April, 2003 - 01:34 pm: | |
I have not been able to get to the display. I think they could have shown it during more accessable hours. Is there no chance of getting some of the pictures on this site? |
Scott
Joined N/A
| | Posted on Monday, 07 April, 2003 - 01:36 pm: | |
Please ignore me - I've just realised that it is posted in the features section. |
Dominic
Joined N/A
| | Posted on Wednesday, 09 April, 2003 - 04:23 pm: | |
John I should very much like to talk to you about the 5 shops you own and rent out on dartmouth road, could you email me your contact details? sharesdjc@yahoo.com. Thanks, Dominic |
AJ
Joined N/A
| | Posted on Thursday, 10 April, 2003 - 01:33 pm: | |
i applaud sainsbury's! As mentioned above it is the only local store accessible to those of us who don't own cars. Forest Hill is an up and coming area and needs more investment for it to prosper.
Happy shopping! |
mj
Joined N/A
| | Posted on Tuesday, 13 May, 2003 - 11:54 am: | |
does anyone know if they are going ahead or not with the new alterations.. or are there anymore delays.. |
Bob
Joined N/A
| | Posted on Tuesday, 13 May, 2003 - 02:28 pm: | |
Hi mj
Yes, the revised plans have just been approved. See below:
Sainsbury's has just secured planning permission for redevelopment of its store and the adjoining buildings in Forest Hill (30-48 London Road SE23) to accomodate a larger Sainsbury's store, an additional retail unit and flats above. Building work will begin shortly with completion date of 2004. |
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