There was a meeting held 19th March between representatives of local residents groups and Sainsbury’s.
Summary as follows:
1. Size of shop. The size of the shop – i.e. the bit customers see – will be between 9,000 and 10,000 square feet. This counts as small to Sainsbury’s. This is about three times the size of their shop at the corner of Lambert Road and Brixton Hill (which is expected to remain in operation). For comparison, the Sainsbury’s on Clapham High Street is 47,000 sq.ft; Tesco on Acre Lane about 36,000 sq.ft. Number of check-outs might be at most 8-10 staffed and 8-10 automatic. It may be the case that they will not have full-size trolleys. Their market research suggests that it will be a ‘basket’ shop rather than a ‘big shop’ destination. This was challenged.
2. Deliveries. Delivery vehicles would be relatively small (18 ft was mentioned as typical max. length of body). Articulated vehicles would not be used. To minimise noise: delivery unloading area would have an acoustic canopy; there would be matting on driving surface; vehicle refrigeration units and reversing signals would be switched off prior to arrival on site. Routes the vehicles take can be prescribed and monitored. i.e. They can be instructed to keep to Tulse Hill, Brixton Water Lane and Brixton Hill, and not drive along Josephine Avenue, Helix Gardens, Arodene Road, or Leander. We will monitor any such route management.
3. Opening hours. Proposed opening hours still to be determined; they will confirm as soon as possible. Seems likely to be in the 7am to 11pm range Mon-Sat, shorter on Sun.
4. Traffic and parking. They appreciate the problem about the pedestrian road crossing at Brixton Water Lane. They know we want a traffic and parking assessment, and an improved junction generally, e.g. including a new traffic light. Evidently this will involve Lambeth and possibly TFL. They realise that more funding may be needed in this regard. More details to follow. Their current intention is to prevent use of their car-park for an extended period. A review of local CPZ is in any case overdue: residents will need to know Sainsbury’s intended opening hours in order to be able to give a full-informed response to a parking consultation.
5. Facilities for bikes. Bicycle parking would be provided. External works will address how best to allow traffic to cross existing cycle lane.
6. Jobs. They would employ about 150 people. Some of these would be existing staff relocated. Prospective manager (who was present) lives locally and intends to cycle to work. He has had experience of mentoring young people and visiting schools. Local employment opportunities are a priority. There was discussion about promotion of opportunities at local schools and otherwise. Building site hoarding would have information about opportunities. All of their jobs must be applied for online, in the first instance. This is so that all applicants have sufficient basic skills.
7. Boundary with Josephine Avenue. They were made aware of likely demolition and redevelopment of No.3 Josephine so that they can agree suitable boundary materials and construction.
8. Public Meeting. 22 April 2013 was mentioned as a possible date for the public licensing hearing.
More details can be found on the Brixton Hub blog.