Sydenham Delivery Office up for sale

Thomas · Post by **Thomas** » 7 Sep 2008 15:48

Does anyone want to buy the recently-closed Sydenham delivery office?

Seriously, this is for sale (see link below for comprehensive details). It is in the Thorpes conservation area and is locally listed, so it has some protection but I wonder what might become of it.

http://www.nb2bsales.com/NB_Content/279/frameset.stm

marymck · Post by **marymck** » 10 Sep 2008 11:25

Oo now that really would make a great building for a restaurant.

fishcox · Post by **fishcox** » 10 Sep 2008 12:28

Im surprised no one has been in touch with Sir Terence Conran already, telling him of a marvellous opportunity in Sydenham.

Actually, given the previous usage of the premises, it's probably not a good idea to open a restaurant there; your meal would probably get lost on its way from the kitchen.

fishcox · Post by **fishcox** » 10 Sep 2008 12:32

Joking aside, it is a great building. I would love to see it put to good use.

mummycat · Post by **mummycat** » 10 Sep 2008 13:08

I've just had a chance to study the plans on the link....

I like the idea of the Minstrel's Gallery and the windows in the roof - I'm imagining a kind of Kew Gardens style restuarant with seating at the front.

Ideal if you're meeting people off the train, as it's opposite the alley, you can't miss it!

Thomas · Post by **Thomas** » 10 Sep 2008 13:16

This could interest a developer interested in converting it into flats (one of the reports that can be accessed from the link above suggests that division into 14 units would be reasonable) - after all it is a largely residential area and there seems to be greater demand to live in Sydenham than to open a shop or restaurant. This would seem to me the most likely route (though this might take some time to happen in the current economic circumstances) and in principle, subject to plans, something I would not object to. Does anyone else have any other ideas?

scott.l.hamilton · Post by **scott.l.hamilton** » 10 Sep 2008 13:26

This property was proposed to the council to be used as a potential market hall/ event gallery / community space. As it is not owned by the council, they are also not interested in purchasing (last I heard). also, this property had an exchanged contract for over £1million. This contract was dropped by the purchaser because of the inclusion of the property into the conservation area. Also, Planning application was submitted to the council for conversion to residential flats, but this was denied by the council... to my understanding...

I think that if investors can be found, this property would be a great Market hall for people to come and sell their wares without having to open a shop. Imagine a Farmers market with a butcher, fishmonger, baker, fresh local vegetables and the like on offer twice a week.

At other periods it can be used for local exhibitions, performances etc.

Also, the price has dropped, 2 months ago it was for sale for £750,000

natbeuk · Post by **natbeuk** » 10 Sep 2008 13:33

Oh don't tease us Scott, that would be so cool.... !!!

leenewham · Post by **leenewham** » 10 Sep 2008 13:45

Love the hall/market/exhibition idea, brilliant.

scott.l.hamilton · Post by **scott.l.hamilton** » 10 Sep 2008 13:51

Well, I am trying to find investors, anybody has ideas, let me know. I am more than willing to help manage the project. PM me if interested...

multisync · Post by **multisync** » 10 Sep 2008 13:54

What a brilliant idea.Someone take it up please

dickp · Post by **dickp** » 10 Sep 2008 14:59

Now £575,000 freehold.

Weeble · Post by **Weeble** » 10 Sep 2008 15:26

Wow, if the price kept dropping at that rate, in six months time they'll be paying you to take it off their hands.

scott.l.hamilton · Post by **scott.l.hamilton** » 10 Sep 2008 15:58

One can hope - The hope is to have some local investors contribute to the purchase of the Property as part of a Not-for-Profit company. In my Vison it would have a restaurant space let to an independent / local restaurant, market hall/exhibition space and Coffee Bar in the "mezzanine". All a pipe dream at this point, but it could be a way for a community group to raise the profile of the area.

Many Many possibilities... Now... to find investors or an existing NFP willing to help out...

jonekt · Post by **jonekt** » 10 Sep 2008 21:28

This sounds like a brillant idea!

East Dulwich has a sort of gallery/ warehouse shared by different shops & stalls - perhaps they might be worth contacting to see if they want to branch out and do something similar a few miles away in Sydenham..?

Crystal Palace also had a similar thing at the back of a pub and it was great in the summer with stalls etc.

stone-penge · Post by **stone-penge** » 11 Sep 2008 06:36

It could be an ideal venue for a McDonalds or a Burger king

leenewham · Post by **leenewham** » 11 Sep 2008 09:46

I hope that was sarcastic! lol

Nickerbockers · Post by **Nickerbockers** » 11 Sep 2008 10:24

I think it should be a nightclub that has an over-30s night - somewhere for us 'oldies' (?) to go that isn't full of school kids and/or rough as hell.

Whatever way NO MORE COFFEE SHOPS or cafes!!! PLEASE!

natbeuk · Post by **natbeuk** » 11 Sep 2008 10:44

Doesn't the Windmill cover that? I went in there for the first time the other week on a Saturday night, and it was full of people whose average age would've been 40-50 all enjoying the tribute act. Despite the slightly dodgy exterior it was very friendly and didn't seem rough at all.

(If there's any Aussies reading this, it reminded me of an RSL or bowling club - never really encountered somewhere like that in London before!)

Postman · Post by **Postman** » 16 Sep 2008 14:26

Why didnt they just leave it as a sorting office? Now we have to go to Forest Hill for out parcels? Where's the sence in that? Another cut for the poor postman and women.

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Sydenham Delivery Office up for sale

Sydenham Delivery Office up for sale