In October 2006, Tesco announced plans to redevelop its store on Old Kent Road. The initial ideas, which underwent consultation with the local community, included a new larger supermarket to replace the existing store, new homes, a café and shops, an undercover car park and provision for a new community facility.

The response to the plans was overwhelmingly positive. Many respondents supported the idea of turning the entrance of the new Tesco store onto the Old Kent Road, and welcomed the provision of new facilities, particularly restaurants, shops and affordable housing. Whilst the vast majority of residents and shoppers felt the scheme was progressing in the right direction, many put forward recommendations on how the scheme could be improved.

To ensure the local community had an opportunity to comment on the proposals before an application was submitted to the London Borough of Southwark, a further consultation event was held in July 2007. The aim of the consultation was to gain feedback from local residents on what they would like to see included in the development. The comments received were fed back to the development team so they could be considered before the application as submitted to Southwark Council. Below are some of the quotes fed back to us about the development:

“I strongly support this scheme as I believe it will increase the sense of “liveability” on the Old Kent Road.” Resident, SE17

“Better than previous plans, better use of space and meets the needs of the local area.”
Resident, SE1

“My comment is to see the plans take effect as soon as possible.”
Resident, SE17

“Let the planning permission go ahead.”
Resident, SE1

“I am very delighted to see Tesco’s new development which will help provide new job opportunities for the long term unemployed in the area.”
Resident, SE16