Forum Topic

B&Q and Homebase closures

How is it that Putney, which is a busy and affluent area, is becoming so stripped of everyday, usable shops.  For everyday stuff we now have to go much further after shop closures like the above, Argos, Furniture World, Next, M&S and so on.Some of us want to try before we buy (online) and are not so well off that we can go to expensive design shops.  I used to find it so convenient to live here, but it is become so much less so,  grrrr

Bunny Payne ● 2591d22 Comments

B&Q closing is a disappointment as I often pop into there for bits and pieces.When we went there for a new kitchen 3 years ago the girl said it was meant to be closing within 12 months, so I guess it ended up staying open an extra 2 more years than expected.

Paul Game ● 2591d

Yes we will miss B&Q and Homebase.  Never thought both would close.  Trips to the refuse tip will never be the same again.

Martine Guy ● 2591d

Hope this isn’t true, but Pizza Express may be next.  The whole chain of Pizza Express restaurants is under threat.

Martine Guy ● 2591d

Both going. A thousand new flats coming, and not one of the owners a DIYer? How blooming green it all is!"The nearest B&Q stores will be in New Malden and the closest Homebase stores will be in Richmond." More trade for Amazon.

David Ainsworth ● 2591d

So it seems we need more luxury flats?I cannot believe that is happening - I find it quite upsetting or, dare I say, disgusting?So, all of these towers with flats will be overlooking the tip...  The next question must be, how long will that tip be there for?

Ivonne Holliday ● 2591d

The tip is useful. Doomed.

David Ainsworth ● 2591d

Unforgivable.  I wonder if the powers-to-be or the powers-that-are have lost their moral compass.

Ivonne Holliday ● 2591d

I think the waste recycling centre is safe until at least Dec 2032, according to page 32 of this first document.It looks like a small expansion of the current site will take place to include Feathers wharf. This land is currently occupied by London travel In Ltd coach hire.https://wrwa.gov.uk/wp/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/WRWA-AR-1018-WA37-.pdf

Paul Game ● 2591d

Not sure if there is anything more up to date than this 46 page document for the B&Q site from Nov 2017:https://www.iema.net/assets/nts/Quod/B&Q%20Smugglers%20Way%20Updated%20NTS%20November%202017.pdf

Paul Game ● 2591d

Oh, how depressing! When they were talking about Homebase, I always thought they were talking about the one closer to ex-Price's candles, not the one near the Wandsworth railway station. :-( :-( :-(

Ivonne Holliday ● 2591d

@Martine. The sad thing about Pizza Express is that it makes an operating profit. It would be interesting to know how and why this debt has been accumulated. It seems to be standard with private equity investments. Although one would like to think it's been invested in the business that doesn't always seem to be the case. It would seem it's not in immediate danger but in a year or two who knows ...https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-49957551

Michael Ixer ● 2591d

Like Bunny I am in despair at the disappearance of shops I use and which were easy to access - including Hpmebase and B&Q. No longer. on Friday I went to Richmond for a few items I needed from WH Smith and M&S. The return trip was a nightmare because, not for the first time, the 337's destination was changed to Barnes Common. I now wonder if I can rely on the 337 to get me to Putney from shopping trips to Richmond and East Sheen. I'm awaiting a reply from TfL.Online shopping isn't the answer for some purchases which I do need to see and evaluate. And, as Bunny says, Putney used to be convenient, but we are losing this. And without a car, I can't see myself visiting B&Q again.

Elizabeth Balsom ● 2591d

Just think of all the Tax that the council will recoup from all these flats! where will that money go? :(

Jill Johnson ● 2591d

Jill, If they get extra money I expect it will go to Social  Services.

Martine Guy ● 2591d

Thre will now be 462 units and 15 parking places - all blue badge...I very much doubt local public transport can cope!https://cjag.org/2020/03/10/homebase-a-new-scheme-disguised-as-a-variation-of-conditions/#more-8100

Adrian Pearce ● 2437d

I agree, but with some caveats.  We have gained a Wilko, toolstation and Leyland Decorating in Putney in recent years.  All sell useful things.Kingston, Wimbledon and Wandsworth are all really close, a bus ride away, and have useful shops too.  Hammersmith, Westfield are a bus too.  I think the rise of Wandsworth is pulling a lot of custom from Putney.  That and the lack of lunch trade due to Putney losing office employment.

Alan Sherman ● 2437d

I have a suspicion (with no facts to back it) that when the Govt, this one and past, or even think tanks (or whatever you call them), made an agreement to build more houses to take on our exploding population.... that's what's happening.Aren't there groups/thinktanks, I don't know their name, but there are groups funded by the Govt to decide how our society should be run.  In any decently run society, I guess it's necessary, I hope they don't have any other agendas.

Bunny Payne ● 2436d

https://www.propertywire.com/news/uk/think-tank-says-that-just-building-more-home-is-not-the-solution-to-the-housing-crisis/The more units that are achieved, the more money that can be made.  It is really bad news that "affordable" only means affordable to a few and that there is not enough social housing being built to replace that which has been sold under Right to Buy.  Developers also often manage to squirm out of actually providing that "affordable" housing.Still not enough attention being paid to the problems with the deregulation that took place and our out of date the Building Regulations together with the height which the Fire Brigade can reach with ladders. This needs to be sorted before too many more buildings with problems are built.  Then there is the testing of materials - the BRE is now commercial.  You can find that materials have not been tested for the use that they are being put to.

Philippa Bond ● 2436d

Currys pcworld now gone too.

Maxine Campbell ● 2435d

Which Currys Pcworld has gone?

Ivonne Holliday ● 2435d

Ivonne. From the flyer that came through our door I understand it's the one in the retail area just west of the north of Wandsworth bridge.

Michael Ixer ● 2435d

Oh, no!  That is the one I normally go to — that is really bad news!

Ivonne Holliday ● 2435d