Nelson Road.
SE10
What a sad looking street. This should be the most attractive shopping street in Greenwich and it has more shut shops per metre than even Trafalgar Road.
I've had several worried emails about it this week - here are just a few concerns:
"What is happening with Warwick Leadlay gallery?? I walked past this morning and all the windows are papered over! The notice on the door - which mentioned additional premises around the corner - was ambiguous as to whether the Nelson Rd site was going to reopen…
Please tell me that this is just a short-term thing and that they're not closing or moving the gallery we all love so much!"
"Where's Pistachios Cafe? I used to like eating there. Have you noticed its absence....? Is it closed permanently or undergoing renovations (signs on the door say re opening in mid march)"
"Rococo- gone overnight it seems!"
As far as Rococo is concerned - yes - that was a big surprise - there and seemingly flourishing (and a classy shop too) one day, dead and gone the next without a whimper.
But the other two - well - I'm cautiously optimistic. I have heard that Warwick Leadlay is actually expanding - its art department has already moved into Marcet Book's old site, and (or so I've heard) Warwick is devoting the Nelson Road shop to the antiquarian side. I hope and pray this is true. Ditto Pistachios - I walked past yesterday and frenzied activity inside suggested that the sign on the door is correct. I was never that wild about Pistachios myself - but I will give it another go when it reopens - hopefully much smarter.
But the rest of the street - and all those empty shops - what on earth are Greenwich Hospital Trust thinking? All the shops we're losing are the independents. GHT just HAS to do something about it - if not for our good, for its own. If Greenwich goes the same way as every other high street in Britain, full of bland chains, visitors will stop coming and GHT's income will go down. The shops look great - but they have nothing in them. I truly believe that GHT needs to cast a few sprats to catch a few mackerels - to give good rent deals to independents to keep Greenwich's individuality and visitor levels - good for all in the long run.
There is one small glimmer of curiosity. The old Thai place that burned down a couple of years ago seems set to rise out of the ashes in Japanese form. Itoshi, from what I can see from pressing my nose against the glass, will be going down the conveyor-belt-sushi route. I can't it's a chain - yet. BTW, Japanese definitely seems to be in just now - what with the likes of Zin and the superb Ginza, and a new Japanese grocery store down Trafalgar Road I haven't tried yet. Anyone been in there ?
What a sad looking street. This should be the most attractive shopping street in Greenwich and it has more shut shops per metre than even Trafalgar Road.
I've had several worried emails about it this week - here are just a few concerns:
"What is happening with Warwick Leadlay gallery?? I walked past this morning and all the windows are papered over! The notice on the door - which mentioned additional premises around the corner - was ambiguous as to whether the Nelson Rd site was going to reopen…
Please tell me that this is just a short-term thing and that they're not closing or moving the gallery we all love so much!"
"Where's Pistachios Cafe? I used to like eating there. Have you noticed its absence....? Is it closed permanently or undergoing renovations (signs on the door say re opening in mid march)"
"Rococo- gone overnight it seems!"
As far as Rococo is concerned - yes - that was a big surprise - there and seemingly flourishing (and a classy shop too) one day, dead and gone the next without a whimper.
But the other two - well - I'm cautiously optimistic. I have heard that Warwick Leadlay is actually expanding - its art department has already moved into Marcet Book's old site, and (or so I've heard) Warwick is devoting the Nelson Road shop to the antiquarian side. I hope and pray this is true. Ditto Pistachios - I walked past yesterday and frenzied activity inside suggested that the sign on the door is correct. I was never that wild about Pistachios myself - but I will give it another go when it reopens - hopefully much smarter.
But the rest of the street - and all those empty shops - what on earth are Greenwich Hospital Trust thinking? All the shops we're losing are the independents. GHT just HAS to do something about it - if not for our good, for its own. If Greenwich goes the same way as every other high street in Britain, full of bland chains, visitors will stop coming and GHT's income will go down. The shops look great - but they have nothing in them. I truly believe that GHT needs to cast a few sprats to catch a few mackerels - to give good rent deals to independents to keep Greenwich's individuality and visitor levels - good for all in the long run.
There is one small glimmer of curiosity. The old Thai place that burned down a couple of years ago seems set to rise out of the ashes in Japanese form. Itoshi, from what I can see from pressing my nose against the glass, will be going down the conveyor-belt-sushi route. I can't it's a chain - yet. BTW, Japanese definitely seems to be in just now - what with the likes of Zin and the superb Ginza, and a new Japanese grocery store down Trafalgar Road I haven't tried yet. Anyone been in there ?
Labels: Streets
posted by The Greenwich Phantom at
08:35
31 Comments:
From what I understood when I went into the warwick on their last day, is that they are keeping the printing area at the back, but just simply can't afford the rent on the front shop, and so will be moving the older prints etc, but in the meantime everything will be sold out of their more 'modern' shop in the alley way.
Rococco I was desperately sad about as it was one of my favourite shops and there is no where equal in quality nearby.
I'd really like to do something to help get the rents lowered and people/companies into the buildings as it really looks so desolate and sad. the high st in general really needs a good lick of paint and a bit of organisation.
Do you think there is anything us 'locals' can do to help?
Then this is worse than I thought. GHT should be ashamed of themselves. Letters, Lula, letters, seem to be the only thing we can do. What a disgrace - when successful, established shops can't afford to stay. Shame on GHT.
Yes, Warwick Ledley are going from the street front. Over-hearing a staff conversation in Meet Bernard shop rents have been pushed quite hard when leases come up for renewal.
It does seem a mistake to drive tenants away when we are on the verge of an economic downturn. Also landlords now have to pay full council rates when buildings are empty (sorry - it's been hard to avoid yesterday's budget). So it is costing the GHT more than lost rent to have the shops empty (I presume they are the landlord on Nelson Road.)
On a more positive note, walking home through the town centre the other night I had a vision of what Greenwich could be like. Please excuss the following tuppeneth-worth...
1) A vibrant covered market open daily with a mix of perminent and temporary stalls. Oxford covered market shows what can be done, albeit on a larger scale than Greenwich.
2) Traffic (except buses) diverted away from the principle streets. The rat-run really stops people browsing from shop-to-shop and hinders Greenwich's commercial prospects.
3) Cutty Sark Gardens as a proper little park desinged to complement the green of the Naval College. Rather than the concrete and wood desert it presents at the moment.
When will the landlords realise that it is the independent shops that make their niche in Greenwich unique and so inviting- it has been said on this site so many times.
It seems that GHT still have no idea about slaying the Golden Goose which supports the school. If you hike up the rents so much that the quirky individual shops can't afford them, you will get voids, and commercial voids breed other voids; how many of those glum tourists will bother to brave a street where most of the shops appear empty. No doubt GHT's accountants are telling them that the chains could afford the rents (another Starbuck's, anyone?) but that's not going to attract the visitors ("we must go to Greenwich - they've got a McDonald's, you know") and we know the Greenwich patriots would boycott them. So GHT's income for the school goes down, so they put up the rents again to compensate. So even fewer businesses can afford them...and so on and so on.
One of the troubles seems to be that there is no one on the board on GHT speaking out for Greenwich. One of the centres of power and legislation for centuries, cutting edge for scientific endeavours (think of Harrison puffing up the hill), jumping-off point for world exploration, powerhouse for much of the Industrial Revolution, World Heritage site - how many other places in the world can claim all that? You'd think that the school would be proud to be associated with such a place rather than milking it for all they can. Similarly - with a few honourable exceptions - Greenwich Council, whose councillors in the main appear to have no idea how unique Greenwich is. How can they permit such a second-rate scheme for the Stockwell Street/King William Walk site when they could insist on a brilliant design including shops by all the leading architects of the day. Think of it - examples of work by Norman Foster, Richard Rogers, et al - which would be a tourist attraction in their own right. Th University could run course "Baroque, Bauhous, and Beyond" - sorry, getting carries away there, but those of us who care for Greenwich care passionately.
Mustard of Greenwich
What about the shop in Greenwich Church Street that used to be Pizza Luna? Does anyone know what is happening with that?
I noticed on Monday that the boards are down. Now whether this had more to do with the weather or they have actually finished it I don't know. Still, I'm sure it'll be another chain or Restaurant/Bar or something equally soulless.
I don't think you can blame GHT. Its a charity and its trustees have an obligation to act in the interests of the beneficiary of GHT which is the MoD. The rental increases are a result of the MoD putting pressure on the trustees to increase the MoD's income from GHT. If you want a voice, Nick Rainsford may supply influence with the MoD.
I would go along with tjb however -visitors only really come here when the market is on except in the Summer when there is more tourist footfall. I don't believe the market stalls are in any real jeopardy from high street retailers. I had a visit to Spittalfields market a few weekends ago and took some comfort from the fact that future development need not spell the end for independent shops in conjunction with market stalls. That area is actually much improved and has attracted some great boutique shops and restaurants as well as retaining most of its orginal tenants. I would love to see Greenwich move in the same direction. It is always sad to see places like Rococco go under (it may have been a flower shop too far) but I think most of the shops on Nelson Road could do with a bit of jazzing up and as far as I can see that is precisely what is happening. Change is not necessarily a bad thing Phantom.
Oh gods... Warwick Leadlay has actually been kicked out of their totally unique and incomparable shop.
A true black letter day for Greenwich.
I can't disagree more with your comments, anonymous. We used to go to Spitalfields market regularly and the 'redeveloped' market today has nothing like the vitality, interest, diversity or, simply, number of stalls. That is what the future of Greenwich holds if the unholy alliance of GHT and Frank the Yank get their way: corporatised, soulless retail and chain restaurants.
And Nelson Road wasn't in need of "jazzing up". Nelson Road used to have the most exquisite selection of shops that one could spend hours in - I think not only of Warwick Leadlay's Nelson room, but old Relcy Antiques, long since gone - crammed to the rafters with amazing bits and pieces - or Cassidy's gallery around the corner. Before we moved here, these were the shops that we used to come to Greenwich to visit. And in terms of their appearance, the shop fronts were truly, exquisitely Georgian in their aesthetic. Now, with more and more places looking like George's... need I say more?
So what is to be done? All I can think of is that we have to make a real stink - with GHT, with the Council (although our Greenwich West ward councillors are either incompetent or co-opted by a combination of the local Labour party cabal and commercial interests), with the Town Centre committee (although they seem neither transparent nor sympathetic) and in the local and national media.
We can't just stand by and watch this happen to OUR Greenwich.
I'd be happy to try and draft a letter, which perhaps Phantom you'd be kind enough to put on the site for people to copy and paste? And then we could all send it to the relevant people at the Council and GHT and that way, at least we are letting people know about our concerns?
Go for it Lula! Even if the Phantom won't/can't post it her/himself, you could always sneak it in as a comment...
I just received this email from Nelson-whizzo Anthony at Warwick Leadlay, whom I've invited to comment here:
"We are touched by your concern, here is the official line. We are looking forward to moving back into the old premises all be it in a smaller space than previously. Looking on the bright side we'll then have gallery space on both sides of Nelson Arcade as well as the premises upstairs including the Nelson Room.
"Relocation, or, The Glass Half Full.
WARWICK LEADLAY GALLERY has now completed its move from its former premises on Nelson Road to the bright and beautiful ART DEPARTMENT located at No 2 Nelson Arcade - that’s the passageway that leads down to Greenwich’s famous market. By mid April it fully intends to reopen its antiquarian section back in newly refurbished premises, at No 1 Nelson Arcade directly opposite. Meanwhile it takes this opportunity to welcome customers, both old and new, to come and enjoy the convivial atmosphere whilst browsing a selection of the best antique maps, prints and artworks Greenwich has to offer. They also offer a bespoke picture framing service that lives up to its boast of fast efficiency."
So it would appear that they ARE definitely losing the Nelson Rd frontage, but are keeping the back part of the shop and - importantly - the Nelson Room upstairs (hurray!).
While there is some good news here, Nelson Rd will never be the same without the Gallery facing on to it...
Thanks Franklin!
Pistachio's:
The lovely Donna from Chapter II cafe is relocating to manage Pistachio's, so it's not closing. Even if there are no improvements on the menu, Donna is an asset to improve any establishment. We'll miss her on our coffee mornings, but it's good news for Greenwich.
Andrekabu
(not able to post under Name/URL)
I hope that the new manager of Pistachios knows what a mammoth task she's taking on! It's an absolutely fowl place, filthy and serves undercooked food. I've been informed by a former member of the staff that the kitchens are not exactly clean either. Worst meal in Greenwich by far. Burn to the ground and start again, Donna!
A sushi train in Greenwich? Very exciting. I'm a sucker for anything with a bit of a novelty (and hopefully good sushi too).
I of course meant 'foul' place, rather than 'fowl'. Although, judging by the pinkness of the chicken I had there, the two are not exactly a million miles apart...
I would like to get involved in a campaign for more favourable rents for the existing tenants. GHT have a new unit in the Market and I for one plan to pay them a visit (in a non-threatening capacity)! Franklin we may not agree that boutique shops (even if they are chains) would be a good thing for Greenwich but we do agree that the loss of antique shops like the Spreadeagle and all those unique little second hand book shops which have disappeared is detrimental and undermines the uniqueness of Greenwich. Personally, I would prefer to see chains moving into Nelson Road now instead of seeing it continue to look desolate and unloved. A Sushi Bar is a great idea! I would hope we can strive to get the balance right between new and old. While most people agree that the overall aesthetic of Greenwich has improved in the past 10 years, its vital to ensure that a flavour of the charm and individuality of Greenwich is also retained which is I think what they have tried to do in other redeveloped markets in London (we can disagree about whether this has been successful or not). I would think that a sensible approach for GHT is to apply incremental but affordable increases for sitting tenants but to let out vacant premises at full commercial rate once tenants vacate. I haven't had dealings with GHT for some time but I would like to think they are still reasonable people.
Does anyone know who is on the panel that GHT set up to look at the future of the market? I know Nick Raynsford is on it, so maybe we can add him on to our letters list, but is the Greenwich Society? The last time the GHT sent me a glossy brochure it was boasting about the panel but I've never met anyone who site on it - other than our MP, who is seen around SE10 less than Admiral Byng.
i am excited to try the new japanese grocery store on trafalgar road. where is it?
Just for the record. I think it's important that people know the truth behind the closure of Rococco. It did not go under and the owner was not pushed to move out. She just had enough of being a florist and living in London and decided to sell her lease back to GHT. For some strange reason she decided not to share this information with her customers.
the new 'japenese/chinese/thai' shop is opposite blockbusters - or thereabouts. so about 2/3 of the way up trafalgar road it from the centre.
hopefully there'll be a tank of eels.
I have visited the new japanese store just this morning. it's a great little place to have on our doorstep. it's not a huge shop but it has a good selection of the basic japanese/chinese ingredients and lot's of sweets from the far east at very reasonable prices. it has quite a good range of frozen seafood and dumplings as well as all kinds of tofu. it also looks like they might expand as there is room out the back. the staff were very pleasant and the shop clean and tidy. well worth a visit - go down there and grab yourself some wasabi peas!
Good riddance to rococo the owner was rude and indifferent and the products expensive. So it comes as no surprise that she left and failed to leave a note to thank people for their custom. I just hope we get a lovely indie shop with more community spirit than rococo!
The new japanese/chinese food shop is fantastic - went in there today and stocked up - really excited about the fact they are there now.
RE: RHT - why not lower the rent and at least get people IN those spaces rather than for months have them vacant? it doesnt make any sense? With a possible recession on the way, only the chains will be able to afford the rent.. its cronic....
as for Pistacios - Greenwich lass - your experiences in there with undercooked food and filthy interior have mirrored my experiences - never went in there again.
Any updates on the new sushi bar yet to open yet, greenwich phantom?
I've been past it a few times and it looks a bit intriguing.
i think this 1930s view shows how great Nelson Road actually is. Now about that traffic...
http://www.ideal-homes.org.uk/greenwich/central-greenwich/nelson-road-1937.htm
Tom: What a lovely picture!Makes such a difference not having bumper to bumper traffic and naff signage. Very, very classy...
Thanks for the link. Kate
Thats a really interesting link Tom thanks . Are they tram tracks in the road, were there trams in Greenwich?
Absolutely! There was quite a network of them - very useful in taking workers out to the Peninsula, Woolwich and Carlton. Check out http://www.thegreenwichphantom.co.uk/2007/03/great-molasses-flood.html to find out how some people were late for work one day...
Crikey! Treacle on the Tracks! Is there no end to your gooey spectriness knowledge?
I always found Kim at Rococo really helpful, the staff likewise. And yes, before she left she was getting really depressed about the rent rises, and the ongoing march to homogenize the area. ALso, the only decent aspect of George's deli, with its crummy stale sandwiches, was the selection of prints, once owned by Dick Moy, and the view of Rococo's beautiful shopfront. I will miss her - although, given I'd only spend ££ at Christmas - perhaps I was part of her problem.
And yes, we all need to take action at how tawdry this street is becoming
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