The launderette is a local business that will decide for themselves whether it is economically viable to continue trading. Like virtually all local businesses I hope they continue, although it wouldn't hurt to replace a few of the tiles on the shop front that keep falling off.

The Forest Hill Society does not shut down local businesses, instead it has been working increasingly hard to bring new businesses into the area to fill the large number of empty shops. I suppose the Forest Hill Society could fight to keep the launderette open, just like we fought for a swimming pool, but there is a difference between a publicly funded swimming pool and a private business with a private landlord.

I also hope this thread demonstrates that conversion to an estate agent (for example) would be a very difficult task in this location due to planning laws (which some, including Mary Portas and some in government, think should be done away with). I think this demonstrates why good planning regulations can help preserve such businesses in the high street.

Presumably when a launderette closes they attempt to sell off their old machines, which would be a good business opportunity for a local entrepreneur who might wish to set up a launderette themselves (possibly with a German cafe attached) in a unit with lower rents. If anybody is interested in such a business proposition the Forest Hill Society can put you in touch with landlords of suitable units around Forest Hill town centre.