Fulham's biggest eyesore to be transformed
Sainsbury's has announced it has bought the derelict site at Fulham Wharf, next to its existing store.
Now the company plans to create a superstore, as well as new housing, public spaces and an enhanced riverside walkway.
The site, which was owned by developer Ballymore, had become a health and safety hazard, with fire engines called several times in recent weeks to deal with fires within the premises.
Sainsbury's now plans to demolish the building and expand its existing store into the three and a half acre riverside site. A planning application with details of its proposed development is expected to be submitted to Hammersmith & Fulham Council within the next year.
Fulham Wharf site has changed hands several times during the past few years. Ballymore, the company behind several luxury towers in Docklands, bought it from Tesco in 2007 for £30 million, promising to create a quality residential development.
Ballymore however has been hard hit by the credit crunch and the project stalled. It is now believed that Sainsbury's have paid a similar amount to take over the property.
Sainsbury's says its current supermarket will continue to trade during any demolition and building works on the neighbouring site, and adds that it is keen to involve the Fulham community in its redevelopment plans.
Sainsbury's Property Investments operations director Matt Birch says: "We are keen to consider the views of local people as plans for the site take shape and will be contacting residents and community representatives later this year with details of consultation events."
May 20, 2009
|