SeanMacGabhann Posted May 4, 2007 Share Posted May 4, 2007 There was a fair bit of activity in ED about 5 years ago in the bar/restuarant scene with lot of refurbs taking place and new (however useful or useless) shops opening up. I would say that the area at that point took on a new flavour. Then it went relatively quiet again (give or take the odd G&B style addition) but with a number of premises undergoing some major-league refurbs at the moment it definitely feels like something is in the airNot saying it's a bad thing at all - keeps it all interesting and gives us plenty to goss about - but just wondered if anyone else felt this feels like a "shift" and not just a couple of shops undergoing a facelift Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/609-east-dulwich-a-new-phase/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nero Posted May 4, 2007 Share Posted May 4, 2007 I do, and I think it might be a turn for the worse. Not wanting to rehash previous arguments, but if we get a Tesco and a White Stuff etc. there will be a bit of a shift. It is tangible. But it is good to see Sema Thai and Karavan etc. having makeovers. Nero Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/609-east-dulwich-a-new-phase/#findComment-14213 Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeanMacGabhann Posted May 4, 2007 Author Share Posted May 4, 2007 I went through a phase where I thought it may not be a turn for the better but I think those of use who favour the indie over corporate outfit sometimes worry too much. Having lived in Swindon and visited friends in places like Croydon it's obvious what we don't want ED to becomeBut, as I've said to some people before, LL does remind me of Eccleshall Rd in Sheffield - and that is an area that has had stores such as White Stuff for years but has still maintained it's character and indie shops the whole time. I think it's a model that can easily work if the balance doesn't tip over Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/609-east-dulwich-a-new-phase/#findComment-14215 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nero Posted May 4, 2007 Share Posted May 4, 2007 I was searching for a good comparison, and Eccleshall Rd hits the nail on the head. I am still scratching my head as to what we could do with, apart from an Italian or Vietnamese restaurant. Perhaps we should all be satisfied with our lot? Nero Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/609-east-dulwich-a-new-phase/#findComment-14220 Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeanMacGabhann Posted May 4, 2007 Author Share Posted May 4, 2007 That's one for the "What ED needs thread." methinks NeroBut it IS interesting to see so much activity behind whitewashed windows! Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/609-east-dulwich-a-new-phase/#findComment-14221 Share on other sites More sharing options...
beatnic Posted May 4, 2007 Share Posted May 4, 2007 People are moving here to start families from Islington and Chelsea.People who've lived here since just after the second world war are either dying or selling up and moving out to live with and be looked after by family, usually elsewhere.House prices are such that those lucky enough to have stepped on to the ladder and want to get a bigger place in East Dulwich will find it increasingly hard to do so.Quite a few people with growing numbers of children will either need to build up (if East Dulwich was a house it would be having its loft converted) or move out, in turn making way for more folk to move in from Islington and Chelsea.So local trade will have to adapt to serve this new wave, otherwise the new folk are likely to stick with what they know (i.e. White Stuff et al).I agree with SeanMacGabhann. The model can work.Wimbledon Village is a good example of where the model hasn't worked. Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/609-east-dulwich-a-new-phase/#findComment-14223 Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeanMacGabhann Posted May 4, 2007 Author Share Posted May 4, 2007 Funny you mention Wimbledon village Beatnic - I happened to be there last night for first time in years and was struck by how homogenised it was - One of the reasons ED is what it is (as opposed to the Dulwich Village say) is the mix of people ie really diverse. Let's hope most people find a way to stay Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/609-east-dulwich-a-new-phase/#findComment-14224 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keef Posted May 4, 2007 Share Posted May 4, 2007 I agree with Sean, in that there is room for chains and indies..... And I personally like to see both. Indies give you nice stuff you can't get everywhere, chains give you the everyday stuff you need at cheaper prices....Aaanyway, not really the topic but there you go. Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/609-east-dulwich-a-new-phase/#findComment-14227 Share on other sites More sharing options...
citizenED Posted May 4, 2007 Share Posted May 4, 2007 Let's hope so, Sean. It's great living in a place that is so diverse. If people keep on patronising the shops on LL i guess there is no reason why it shouldn't maintain it's character. Isn't this the "stable state" theory? There would need to be a lot of pressure from a good number of chain stores it order to knock LL from its current mix. We got our Caffe Nero but it has not led to others opening up in quick succession and it hasn't affected trade at the local cafe's - the guy at Mon Petit Chou reckons its been good for his trade.Citizen Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/609-east-dulwich-a-new-phase/#findComment-14228 Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeanMacGabhann Posted May 4, 2007 Author Share Posted May 4, 2007 "Who's a good little shop eh? Aren't you doing well on Lordship Lane, yes you are, yes you ARE"Oh hang on - you didn't mean that kind of patronising right? Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/609-east-dulwich-a-new-phase/#findComment-14231 Share on other sites More sharing options...
citizenED Posted May 4, 2007 Share Posted May 4, 2007 right, but think that next time i go into any of the estate agents i'll try your kind for a laugh. ("when i grow up i really do want to be an estate agent"(sic) Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/609-east-dulwich-a-new-phase/#findComment-14233 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Posted May 4, 2007 Share Posted May 4, 2007 East Dulwich isn't just about shops and restaurants, I think there's a great sense of community here which is developing for the better. Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/609-east-dulwich-a-new-phase/#findComment-14235 Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnotherPaul Posted May 4, 2007 Share Posted May 4, 2007 There is a change happening, I can see it and have only been here three years. Myself and lady Paul have just had to choose between buying a flat here or a house elsewhere and plumped for the former, we like ED too much to leave (tears of joy etc). In part we decided to stay as it feels like the area is likely to retain it's character. Of course the influx of the seriously well off will have an impact but that need not be a negative.LL is well protected from a corporate invasion by the retail properties being mainly quite small and therefore not much use to chains who require large floorspace to shift lots of products. It's a shame about whitestuff, personally I dislike what they stock, but that's just one store amongst a majority of independents. Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/609-east-dulwich-a-new-phase/#findComment-14236 Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeanMacGabhann Posted May 4, 2007 Author Share Posted May 4, 2007 Mark - you are of course right but the shop fronts (and activities therin) are a very visible manifestation of that community, hence the reason for starting this threadHaving lived in some non-communities in other parts of London I knew as soon as I arrived here years ago that it was special Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/609-east-dulwich-a-new-phase/#findComment-14238 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nero Posted May 4, 2007 Share Posted May 4, 2007 Where I live, in the Upper East Side there is less 'gentrification'. There are quite a few houses that are like something from the 70s, and I feel that it will take a long long time before all of the area becomes Claphamised. There is a sense of community and it feels more 'normal' than house after house of similarly zhooj'd houses. Nero Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/609-east-dulwich-a-new-phase/#findComment-14239 Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeanMacGabhann Posted May 4, 2007 Author Share Posted May 4, 2007 NeroI too am up in that neck of the woods - and know the houses you mean. The chuck out the chintz campaign has not yet penetrated many of these places - but we still have to walk further than The Plough for a bevvy Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/609-east-dulwich-a-new-phase/#findComment-14242 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Posted May 4, 2007 Share Posted May 4, 2007 I think there is something postive in the air, despite some persitant grumblers on the forum who I sometimes wish would cash in and move on. (tu)Agree with the plough end though. Hopefully the investments will move up there as some of the units need some TLC - and the pub is a dump. Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/609-east-dulwich-a-new-phase/#findComment-14258 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muttley Posted May 4, 2007 Share Posted May 4, 2007 I agree that there seems to be a new surge of regeneration at the moment. On the whole, it feels good, though in the back of my mind is a fear not so much of what kind of stores might move in, but what stores we might one day lose and never get back. If Dulwich DIY or A J Farmer were ever priced out by higher rents, I think it's unlikely they'd ever be replaced by a shop of their ilk. And that would be a sad day for East Dulwich culture. Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/609-east-dulwich-a-new-phase/#findComment-14265 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Huguenot Posted May 4, 2007 Share Posted May 4, 2007 hear hear Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/609-east-dulwich-a-new-phase/#findComment-14283 Share on other sites More sharing options...
TJS Posted May 4, 2007 Share Posted May 4, 2007 For those giving the plough a hard time (rightfully though), i noticed they have a lot of planning request in the pipeline, not much but a start:07-AP-0834 R:12/04/2007 : THE PLOUGH PH 381 LORDSHIP LANE, LONDON, SOUTHWARK, SE22 8JJ Installation of 4 signs: hanging post sign, externally lit mural to side elevation, ground floor letters, and first floor letters (both illuminated) 07-AP-0835 R:12/04/2007 : THE PLOUGH, 381 LORDSHIP LANE, LONDON, SOUTHWARK, SE22 8JJ Erection of a new pergola to garden 07-AP-0824 R:11/04/2007 : THE PLOUGH CAFE, 351 LORDSHIP LANE, LONDON, SE22 8JJ New external decking seating area to cafe frontage.Also as i mentioned on the other thread most of the empty shops on LL & GG roundadbout are under offer, so fingers crossed these will turn out to really add to ED. Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/609-east-dulwich-a-new-phase/#findComment-14288 Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeanMacGabhann Posted May 4, 2007 Author Share Posted May 4, 2007 TJSInteresting stuff there. Those requests don't amount to a mission-statement but could be the start of somethingThankfully planning permission is not required to uproot hideous carpets - that would be another good start Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/609-east-dulwich-a-new-phase/#findComment-14290 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keef Posted May 4, 2007 Share Posted May 4, 2007 Not sure the illuminated signs are good.... I'm thinking Neon pink!!!!! :-S Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/609-east-dulwich-a-new-phase/#findComment-14300 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nero Posted May 4, 2007 Share Posted May 4, 2007 Remember when the Plough was the Goose and Grenade, I mean Granite? I got in touch with the pub company and pointed out what a tip it looked - dead ivy hanging down, graffiti, charred sign etc. A while later it got smarted up a bit. Not sure if there is a link or whether it is a coincidence. Nero Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/609-east-dulwich-a-new-phase/#findComment-14316 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ko Posted May 4, 2007 Share Posted May 4, 2007 Someone told me that businesses have a legal obligation to maintain the exterior of their premises including removing graffiti - not sure if that's true but may be. Also, if you get onto your local councillor, they will action any shops/businesses that are not looking after their frontages, including clearing up litter in their forecourts. Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/609-east-dulwich-a-new-phase/#findComment-14357 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ultraconsultancy Posted May 6, 2007 Share Posted May 6, 2007 Hi KoBusinesses do generally have a legal obligation to keep both interior and exterior shipshape - but that obligation is to the landlord, not to government or local authority, and is enforced in order to protect the value of the freehold. Statutorily enforceable obligations are to keep the venue safe and accessible, and not much else.Ugly, you can pretty much get away with.ultraconsultancy Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/609-east-dulwich-a-new-phase/#findComment-14427 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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