Sainsbury’s plan gets go-ahead

Sainsbury's is in the process of relocating its headquarters staff to a new building at Holborn Circus, which will permit the redevelopment of the various buildings occupied by the company in Stamford Street.

Ian Coull, a Director of J Sainsbury plc, said: "We are delighted that we have now been given the go-ahead to proceed with our proposals, which form an important stage in the regeneration of this part of Southwark”

He continued: "The plans comprise a single, medium rise building of five storeys, rising to eighteen storeys at the north-east corner, close to the bridge. As well as 375,000 sq ft of modern, flexible office space, the redevelopment provides a new public open space and a 10,000 sq ft Sainsbury's Central supermarket. The project is estimated to take approximately 30 months to deliver, including a six month demolition programme."

Crucially for many residents, he added: "The introduction of a Sainsbury's Central Store will plug a retail gap in the area, allowing local people to shop locally. This emerged very clearly throughout our consultation process as a major perceived benefit for the local community."

Foster & Partners are the architects for the scheme. Their previous work in SE1 includes the new City Hall at Tower Bridge and the Millennium Bridge.