Just what Borough High Street needs....

...yee hah! Another estate agent.

Allegedly the former job centre (the building on the corner of BHS and Union Street) is being transformed into a branch of Foxtons, with 'luxury' flats above. Best thing about that is that the awful hoardings will disappear, I suppose. It's been a boarded up eyesore since the last time I was around - and almost as long as the scaffolding on the buildings opposite.

Could be worse, it might have become another Tescos. No hang on, at least those are sometimes useful...

But will it become a "luxury" branch of Foxtons complete with refreshments.

I continuously marvel at the expansion in estate agents as surely most of their target Market (trendy-ish, young-ish urbanites) will source suitable properties online. I prefer to meet the agent at the property as that way I can spend as little time with them as possible.

Understand the building was previously proposed site of a gambling / gaming emporium.

So, not much of a change then - the two-armed bandits have replaced the one-armed kind.

marcusm wrote:

But will it become a "luxury" branch of Foxtons complete with refreshments.
I continuously marvel at the expansion in estate agents as surely most of their target Market (trendy-ish, young-ish urbanites) will source suitable properties online. I prefer to meet the agent at the property as that way I can spend as little time with them as possible.

Tee hee !

It's not the ideal use of the site, but it should be an aesthetic improvement on its present state.

There's another one being fitted out next door to Hastings. It's a kfh with a fake 'georgian' style frontage in their characteristic burgundy colour. At least that's better than a kfc or similar, or the ghastly red / pink of S/Ackroyd down the road, but eight agents within about 100 metres?

Someone has blind faith in the upward mobility of the market.

Getting carried away at the thought of all that window shopping for property porn - that should seven (the eighth is a bit further way near corner of Lant St / BHS.

how can estate agents explain to their clients the shambles that is borough high street? "excellent renovation opportunity", "bargain in need of some renovation" "great investment potential"?

Quite, BP. I can only view Foxtons' arrival as a Good Thing. BHS is such a dump, and at least F's office will be smart.

Quite surprised it has taken them this long to get here (though I think they have an office just over Tower Bridge?)

I'm with The Mapmaker on this.
I'd rather have property porn than bookmakers and betting or worse still 'amusement' arcades.
I'd prefer original to chain - but at least chains spend money.
I am giong to mourn the jewellers.

I've worked in BHS for over 12 years and although the vibrancy has increased off and off-off BHS the High Street itself has looked worse on a day by day basis.
Am enjoying the new pavement on the east side - means I can walk without having to look down.
Intrigued with the plan to deal with the scaffolded part. Hope we dont have one of those scaffold collapses or we will be shut again.

The other thing that has fascinated me is the immense variation in health and safety concerns and management of each contractor. From 100% to around 0%!!