Final work is taking place at Charlton’s new Sainsbury’s/ M&S complex, which will come to life in six weeks – the ‘old’ Greenwich Sainsbury’s set to close on Tuesday 23 June with its Charlton replacement opening its doors the following the day.
Some bits of work still need to be done, though – such as signage. If you’re expecting the new store to have subtle signs, think again – a giant four-metre high Sainsbury’s logo is due to be plonked on the roof of the store, according an application sent to Greenwich planners.
It’s a far cry from the more subtle sign that sits below the roof level of the Greenwich store – an image of which is still being used on recruitment ads for the new outlet.
If you’ve any strong views on the signs, be sure to let Greenwich planners know – head to the council’s planning website and search for reference 15/0835/A – comments need to be in by 26 May, which is leaving the timescales rather tight…
The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery will receive their Annual Inspection in Charlton on Tuesday morning. Rob Powell, who took the photos above, explains more.
In previous years the event has taken place in Regent’s Park, close to their previous St John’s Wood home, but this year’s inspection will take place in Charlton Park, a stone’s throw from the base in Woolwich they moved to in February 2012.
Two rehearsals of the Troop’s famous Musical Drive took place in the park last week, with the Royal Artillery Band returning to Greenwich borough after their 200-year association with Woolwich ended last February.
Unless the arrival of a new royal baby requires the King’s Troop RHA to be peforming a gun salute elsewhere, the Annual Inspection will take place on Tuesday morning at 10am.
After all the kerfuffle over the White Swan, Charlton village’s oldest pub, the Bugle Horn, is looking for new management – the current bosses are stepping down next month.
A beautiful building in a decent location – you could be onto a winner. Although you’d have to work with Punch Taverns, which owns the place.
And the listing doesn’t really go out to sell its potential…
“An authentic village pub in the heart of south-east london. Set in a part of the capital with a genuinely ‘villagey’ feel, the Bugle Horn is a favourite with fans of Charlton Athletic. The pub was formed from three 18th century cottages were melded to make a public house, but it has a much more contemporary feeling today thanks to fresh paintwork and signage – the colours hint at the allegiances of the pub…”
A pub that’s only going to get customers for 25 days a year, then?
“The incoming operator will be looking to establish a more balanced ‘rhythm of the week’ that will attract families, after-work drinkers and occasion diners to sample the pub’s wares, in terms of food as well as ale.”
That’s more like it.
“There’s a function room which could be promoted to better effect, in conjunction with the commercial kitchen, and the 15-space car park is a real boon in a part of town where parking can be at a premium.”
I can think of better things to do with the car park than have cars. Host a market?
“However, the new angle for the Bugle Horn should be an appeal that goes beyond sport: there is the opportunity to drive a food-led push, so an operator with experience within catering will see ways in which to turn their ideas into reality. Charlton is a pretty part of London with a real village feel to it – there is a heated lido and sports centre for fun and fitness and the housing is varied and affordable – for now. The area is undergoing an explosion in popularity which is attracting more affluent folks to the area – and as that continues, they’ll be pleased to find a spot to eat, as food outlets are thin on the ground in Charlton Village. Transport-wise, you can be at London Bridge Station in less than 20 minutes.”
With the White Swan poised for new ownership, and the Bugle looking for new management, are we about to see big changes for our local pubs? Or will things stay no more imaginative than karaoke and football on Sky? Your thoughts on what the Bugle could offer would be appreciated.
“Lads, we need some new road signs for this street in Charlton – you know, we need to tell ’em we’re now a royal borough and all that. Can you sort that for me?”
“Of course, boss, what’s it called?”
“It’s called Sutlej Road. Runs between Marlborough Lane and Canberra Road.”
“How do you spell that, then?”
“It’s S-U-T-L-E-J.”
“Got that boss – leave us to it.”
“Good. And remember – it’s Royal Borough of Greenwich now.”
Confirmed candidates so far (clockwise): Ryan Acty (Ukip), Abbey Akinoshun (Green), Lynne Chamberlain (TUSC), Matt Pennycook (Labour), Tom Holder (Lib Dems), Matt Hartley (Conservative)
Current MP Nick Raynsford is standing down after 23 years in the post. A full list of candidates won’t be known until after the nominations have closed on 9 April.
The Charlton Central Residents Association is also holding a hustings at St Richard’s Hall, Swallowfield Road on 27 April at 7.30pm (members and associate members can reserve a place by contacting CCRA).
Details of other hustings would be appreciated, including those covering the Eltham constituency, which covers streets to the south of Charlton Park.
Other hustings for Greenwich & Woolwich: Friday 17 April, 6:30pm, Greenwich West Community Centre (organised by Breast Cancer Care – register for free ticket); Sunday 19 April, 11.30am, Greenwich Dance Agency, Royal Hill (Christian Life Fellowship); Wednesday 22 April, 1pm, Greenwich Community College Plumstead campus; Thursday 23 April, 7.30pm, Christ Church East Greenwich (local Church of England churches); Tuesday 28 April, 6.30pm, Forum at Greenwich (Greenwich NUT); Wednesday 29 April, 6pm, Forum at Greenwich (Greenwich Association of Disabled People).
As you may know already, Ikea has planning permission to build a store on the site of the old “eco” Sainsbury’s in Greenwich – a prospect which has flat-pack furniture fans five miles already reaching for their car keys, and residents who live a mile away groaning.
“How can we make the best of this situation? What do we, as neighbours of the proposed store, want to see to prevent Ikea grinding local transport to a halt? What do we think the store should look like? And what part should Ikea play in the local community?
“The Charlton Society’s planning committee is talking to Ikea about the future. We’d like to hear your ideas. Should the road junction at the Woolwich Road flyover be altered? How can we make it easier for people to have goods delivered? What extra public transport would you like to see? And how can we improve on Ikea’s trademark blue box?”
Ideas include emulating the new-ish Ikea store in Altona, Hamburg, which is aimed at attracting a 50/50 split between car drivers and those coming on public transport, on bike or by foot.
A CGI from architects Chassay & Last showing the view from the BP petrol station
Would you want to see this on Woolwich Road? Developers want to knock down a derelict office block on Woolwich Road, next to the new Sainsbury’s/M&S development, and build 74 new homes plus a retail unit on the site, crowned by a nine-storey tower.
The old office block – most recently called Valley House – has an odd history of its own – it was once Sykes House, home of Sykes Pumps; then it was taken over by Greenwich Council and renamed Guy Barnett House after the late local MP; but then that name was withdrawn when it had the bad luck of being the place where it tried administer the poll tax from. The council pulled out a few years ago; this website understands Metro Bank had been eyeing up the site for a branch, but that came to nothing.
So instead, it becomes the first concrete proposal for housing development north of the Woolwich Road since the Charlton Riverside Masterplan was produced. It looks smart enough from the renders, and London needs new homes, but is nine storeys too high for the Woolwich Road? The Charlton Society has voiced its disapproval*, you, however, may have a different view.
This has been going through planning for a while – it’s now at a “reconsultation” stage, and comments need to be with the council by 10 March. If you want to find out more, go here or enter 14/3258/F on Greenwich Council’s planning search.
(*Declaration of interest: I’m on the Charlton Society’s committee, but I’ve no strong view on this building.)
The Charlton Champion 