Lewisham town centre development sees supermarket plan submitted
In recent weeks and months when covering Lewisham Gateway people have often enquired about the latest status of proposed shops.
Until recently all we really had to go on was an image from the site developer, though another search of planning applications has revealed plans submitted for the Sainsbury’s supermarket.
Sainsbury’s was on the list of businesses expected to open at phase two of Lewisham Gateway but until a planning application goes in it’s not certain – and even then it’s no guarantee.
Still, it always seemed very likely as how many developments of this scale and in areas of high footfall don’t include a Tesco Express, Sainsbury’s Local and the like.
Sainsbury’s have a larger store nearby in the shopping centre which itself is set for redevelopment in coming years.
Another application at Lewisham Gateway is for a Pret. I’ve noticed the 99p filter coffee is back making them one of the cheapest places for a hot drink around.
We definitely know a proposed nine-screen cinema is not opening after the Empire chain went into administration.
Total homes within phase two are 649 with 422 for market rent, 106 “affordable” and 119 co-living rooms.
Given that the shopping centre redevelopment has been talk for years, it’s a pity that Sainsbury’s could not have secured a large unit in the new build. However, as parking is a feature of the existing centre, that would be the main reason for Sainsbury’s not going down that route.
Pret would be nice to have.