Another Tesco for Kennington

Many people have been asking what is happening to the old bingo hall/cinema building at 216 Kennington Road. Tesco have now revealed that they are planning to open a new Express Store in the summer of 2012.

Despite much speculation as to who would be taking over the site Tesco has only signed the agreement to use the building in the last few weeks.

The site was granted planning permission for retail use in 2008 and was renewed in 2010. Before they open their store Tesco will have to submit a planning application for the signage they will use outside of the store. They will also have to submit a licensing application if they plan to sell alcohol.

The Tesco press release confirming the opening of the store is below.

TESCO EXPRESS COMING TO KENNINGTON ROAD

Tesco is delighted to confirm its interest to open a Tesco Express convenience food store in Kennington Road. at the former bingo hall.

The former bingo hall which has been empty for some time will be converted into eight apartment and an Express.

Carol Leslie, Tesco spokesperson said: 'We think this is an excellent location for a Tesco Express and we are delighted to have secured a lease on these premises.'

The `Express’ is a small convenience food store that focuses on bringing quality, service, value and fresh produce to peoples’ doorsteps.

Carol continued: 'Our Express stores are extremely popular and can bring lots of benefit to the community it serves. Not only will it keep people shopping in the area but is extremely convenient for residents and workers and those people who have no transport or those preferring to shop on foot. We believe it will benefit the area by encouraging people to shop locally and also cut down on car journeys to other shopping areas.'

She added: 'Our Express stores are all about being local, employing local people, serving local people, working with local traders and actively supporting the local community. It will employ around 20 staff.'

Licensing application for Tesco, 38-40 Kennington Park Road

A New application for a Premises Licence under the Licensing Act 2003 in respect of the below-mentioned premises was received by the licensing authority on 21st October 2010

Premises Address:
Tesco Stores Limited - 38-40 Kennington Park Road London SE11 4RS

Activities/times requested:

Supply of Alcohol
Monday - Saturday 06:00 - 23:00

Prior to determining this application, the licensing authority may accept written representations from Responsible Authorities and Interested Parties on the likely effect of the grant of this application in relation to the licensing objectives, which are:

· Preventing crime and disorder;
· Public safety;
· Preventing public nuisance; and
· Protecting children from harm.

Representations will be disregarded if they are deemed to be vexatious, frivolous, or irrelevant, or if they are received later than the 18th November 2010.

See the full application here

Find out more about the licensing process by reading our guide to licensing

Rupert House coffee morning

Residents of Rupert House, the sheltered accommodation on Kennington Road, welcomed Kate Hoey MP, Councillor Lorna Campbell, and Mark Harrison to a coffee morning on Wednesday.

Kate congratulated residents on their campaign to keep the free Tesco bus, which had been threatened with being discontinued.

There was a discussion on how residents might set up a committee, what activites they would like to see provided at Rupert House, and whether the services Lambeth Council provides to older people areadequate.