Supermarket plans at Kew Retail park spark local debate
Sports Direct at Kew Retail Park
A planning application to convert the current Sports Direct unit at Kew Retail Park into a new food retail space has sparked mixed reactions from residents and local businesses and could offer a useful moment for wider community debate.
The proposal would allow Unit 1a, soon to be vacated by Sports Direct, to be used by a discount supermarket, with Lidl or Aldi reported to be in discussions with the landlord. While the overall retail footprint of the park won’t expand, the change would permit more than 1,100 sq.m. of new food retail space, on top of the already highly successful Marks & Spencer food hall.
You can read the planning application here reference PA25/1115.
Some locals are excited about the prospect of having a budget supermarket nearby, especially in the context of the cost-of-living crisis. But others have raised concerns about what this might mean for local traffic, small businesses, and the broader character of the area.
There are particular worries around increasing traffic volumes on Mortlake Road, which already serves as a key road through the neighbourhood. Rat-running through side streets, particularly near Kew Green, is also a long-standing issue for residents and the addition of another food store could exacerbate the problem. Some wonder whether introducing parking charges might ease congestion or influence shopping habits more sustainably.
The potential impact on independent businesses is also a key consideration. One nearby shop on Sandycombe Road reported a significant drop in trade when traffic access was restricted highlighting the importance of passing traffic to footfall. While some residents may welcome the affordability of a new discounter, others worry it could undermine local shops and erode the character of the Village and Station Parade.
This evolving situation raises important questions: Should more large-scale food retail be encouraged here? What kind of development is right for Kew’s future? And how do we balance affordability, sustainability, and community character?
The Kew Society is keen to gather views and encourage discussion. Please share your thoughts as we continue to monitor and engage with the process.
