old budgens

[KPR]

As discussed here before, it doesn’t seem likely to be a goer as a supermarket - there are three alternatives within a five minute walk, so a supermarket would have to be distinctly different to Lidl, Tesco and Sainsbury. Waitrose or M&S? Doubt Sydenham has enough punters for that kind of stuff to make it worth it.

So, unless my (strangely unpopular) McDonald’s suggestion is taken up, it seems likely to stay empty for some time to come - if the landlords had any sense they’d put a few quid into getting planning permission to knock it down and build flats on the site (with three smaller shops underneath). They can then sell the site with the permission to a developer.

[Steveofsyd]

I actually think an M&S would do well. Products are distinctly different than the others (more so than Waitrose) and it would have the benefit of the Carpark so people would drive to it as well (like Beckenham)

[Likelife]

The electricity bill for all these months is still a lot cheaper than ridding the premises of squatters or paying for damage caused by arson which would have been a lot more likely scenario had the lights not been turned on all this time.

That's a fair point, hadn't thought about that.

As discussed here before, it doesn’t seem likely to be a goer as a supermarket - there are three alternatives within a five minute walk, so a supermarket would have to be distinctly different to Lidl, Tesco and Sainsbury. Waitrose or M&S? Doubt Sydenham has enough punters for that kind of stuff to make it worth it.

So, unless my (strangely unpopular) McDonald’s suggestion is taken up, it seems likely to stay empty for some time to come - if the landlords had any sense they’d put a few quid into getting planning permission to knock it down and build flats on the site (with three smaller shops underneath). They can then sell the site with the permission to a developer.

It's crossed my mind that redeveloping might be best. Designed in keeping with the high street style, with a clear focal point on the corner like the Cobbs building; flats on top a retail unit or two on the ground. Also, a new building would probably be easier to attract a company. I'd still prefer a supermarket; Co-op was popular, Lidl has quite a line at times and the high street feels busier. I think the demand is there, and with Sydenham "up and coming", the demand is growing. But as you say KPR, if it's the right establishment; not just another Sainsbury's. Remember Co-op is normally more pricey than Waitrose.

As for McDonald's there is just enough of them. We don't need another one, especially that big.

[TredownMan]

This has worked great at Brockley station - sainsburys, shops and architect's office below, and three floors of flats above. Big improvement on the old garage that was there before. It would be great to see the same here (and of course it was the Victorian high street model)

[parker]

I’m confused. Why does McDonald’s keeps getting brought up in relation to this unit, it is far too big and we already have one?

M&S have opened two Food Hall stores in Streatham lately, the Streatham Hill one still under construction I think. They’re also opening a second Food Hall store next to East Dulwich station. With this sort of expansion going on nearby surely Sydenham should be in with a chance?

[clembot]

They could do with turning those light off eh?

[Parker1970]

I’m confused. Why does McDonald’s keeps getting brought up in relation to this unit, it is far too big and we already have one?

M&S have opened two Food Hall stores in Streatham lately, the Streatham Hill one still under construction I think. They’re also opening a second Food Hall store next to East Dulwich station. With this sort of expansion going on nearby surely Sydenham should be in with a chance?

Unlikely now. They are announcing store closures today.

[Tim Lund]

This has worked great at Brockley station - sainsburys, shops and architect's office below, and three floors of flats above. Big improvement on the old garage that was there before. It would be great to see the same here (and of course it was the Victorian high street model)

Sounds like something to consider in Sydeham

[parker]

I’m confused. Why does McDonald’s keeps getting brought up in relation to this unit, it is far too big and we already have one?

M&S have opened two Food Hall stores in Streatham lately, the Streatham Hill one still under construction I think. They’re also opening a second Food Hall store next to East Dulwich station. With this sort of expansion going on nearby surely Sydenham should be in with a chance?

Unlikely now. They are announcing store closures today.

Most of the announced closures are stores including non-food and one is an outlet store. One of the articles I read mentioned Food Hall stores in close proximity to a car park meant they were more profitable because people would buy more. Even more reason to come to Sydenham. They are also opening 36 new stores over the next 6 months.

[leenewham]

I was going to post that Parker!

M&S Food is doing well. M&S department stores less so.

M&S Simply Food could so well in Sydenham. They have one in West Wickham which is always busy.

[JMLF]

I have emailed Waitrose and Marks and Spencer’s twice (I forgot to mention something in the first email doh!) to suggest the location as a potential gap in the area (There is no food supermarket of that ilk between Beckenham, Croydon, Brixton and Dulwich which is a pretty large area to possibly draw people from (Penge, FH, CP). I emailed not necessarily for want of gentrification but for want of a non-empty shop and a different type of shop/option. I wouldn’t stop shopping at Lidl bit might treat myself every once in a while / dip in for things Lidl don’t offer etc.

Anyways, Waitrose didn’t reply but Marks and Spencer replied to both my emails with positive sounding replies although I highly suspect they may be the given line of response...

First was “..we’d love to be able to open a store where you suggest. We have a specialist team who are always on the lookout...”

Second response from a different employee was “I’ve updated our system with your proposal suggestion, fingers crossed you’ll see an M&S in this location at some point in the future”

[SydenhamOwl]

Guaranteed to become flats.

[Likelife]

First was “..we’d love to be able to open a store where you suggest. We have a specialist team who are always on the lookout...”

Second response from a different employee was “I’ve updated our system with your proposal suggestion, fingers crossed you’ll see an M&S in this location at some point in the future”

I've been told M&S are/we're looking at Sydenham. I'm not sure how the friend of a friend who told me found this out, but, this suggests there could be some truth to it...

[Steveofsyd]

The car park may swing it.

[sparticus]

It would be a brilliant site for one of the new "local" Co-ops. Just a thought!

[The Clown]

I would be in there all of the time if there was an M&S... quality of the fresh fruit makes me salivate at the thought

[Steveofsyd]

Most of the supermarkets one way or another offer the same brands albeit at different offer prices. Some have a smattering if their own meals but none offer the M&S Fresh foods. That’s why M&S would be a good choice as it’s different and very popular. It doesn’t really compete for the same customers. People would travel for an M&S and as someone said the nearest is Beckenham or Lordship Lane with Bromley further still.
An M&S would also bring an increasesed “confidence” to the lower end of the High St.
I do hope they come for a look as the raised location at the bottom end also makes it stand out so it’s easily seen by passers by who might not have previously stopped to shop. Anything to enliven Sydenham’s comnercial prospects is good.
We may even get better Christmas lights if they move in...ha ha

[JMLF]

I would suggest emailing M and S (I did it through the website form and used the drop down for shop questions/queries or something similar) - you never know if it’ll have an impact, suddenly a few emails specifying a need/want with some legit reasoning etc...?!?

[Andyb]

Been nearly a year since budgens shut and still no new shop, such a waste it’s a shame coop couldn’t give shop a little re-jig as still feel could make it work again, but wouldn’t be surprised if owners flatten it and rebuild with smaller units and overpriced flats above . Or since bellgreen gasworks plan got panned(good) wouldn’t it make sense to use sydenham site, Iceland not interested but as said before m/s quite popular espically the local theifs!! Come on owners it’s a years rent u missed out on and a years pay I’ve lost

[JGD]

My BH has written to the co-op suggesting they resume operations on the site.

She was copied in on correspondence when the matter was transferred to their area guy who deals with Sydenham.

No further response - yet.