Plans for new Sainsbury’s Local to open in Blackheath Village creating 20 new jobs

Under new plans a Sainsbury’s Local could be built at a former shoe shop at numbers 25-27 Tranquil Vale, potentially bringing 20 new jobs to the area.

The project between Sainsbury’s and Morden College – the owner of the Tranquil Vale building – would restore the prominent building back to its former use.

David Pilbeam, Sainsbury’s Director of Acquisitions, Capital Projects and Engineering, said: “We’re passionate about delicious food and we want to make it easier for customers to access it wherever we can, so we’re delighted to confirm our plans for a new Sainsbury’s Local in Blackheath.

“If our proposals are approved, this investment will create new jobs and a convenient new place for people to shop locally while regenerating this part of the high street for the community.”

An application recently submitted to Lewisham Council outlined plans to open the new Sainsbury’s Local, whilst still retaining the twentieth-century shop front, along with the addition of a new internal entrance and ramp for disabled and pushchair access.

The application also outlined plans to partly demolish and reconfigure the non-listed outbuilding at the rear, to include a small extension to allow for a new access lift and staircase.

The pre-application submitted will be followed with a comprehensive planning and listed building application, required when applying for planning permission of any listed building.

Sainsbury’s has also been in conversation with the highway authority on proposals to split the double loading bay on the North side of Tranquil Vale, which would enable one delivery bay to be moved to the southern side of the road to facilitate a loading space for south Tranquil Vale business.

Edward Mileham, Director of Real Estate at Morden College, said: “Morden College has been at the heart of Blackheath since 1695, and provides much needed Alms housing for older residents.

“The new Sainsbury’s will be a vital enhancement to our Charity endowment asset and will provide a brand-new convenience store for our Blackheath residents and staff. We are delighted to be partnering with Sainsbury’s and supporting the introduction of a great British brand into our community.”