Category Archives: Business

Council vetoes demolition of the Stanley Arms

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Stanley Arms

Southwark Council planning officers have rejected a proposal to demolish and redevelop the Stanley Arms pub in Southwark Park Road.

Pub landlord Roy Nicholls had applied for outline planning permission to knock down the Victorian building and replace it with a new four-storey block of nine flats with commercial space on the ground level.

Southwark planning officers rejected the application last month under delegated powers on the grounds that “the proposal would result in the loss of a community use to serve local people” and the pub’s status as an “undesignated heritage asset of special architectural and historic significance”.

Objectors to the planning application included the Victorian Society as well as the Greater London region and South East London branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

A letter from Tangram Architects submitted to the council in December 2014 noted that despite the landlord’s best efforts, “demographical changes” [sic] meant that “the business is nevertheless failing; it will not continue and the pub will inevitably close”.

See all the related documents at 14/AP/4668

Bermondsey Community Kitchen seeks first students

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Newly launched social enterprise Bermondsey Community Kitchen (above Dunn’s Deli at The Blue) is now ready to enrol its first batch of students.

The age group they are looking for currently is 16-24, interested in cookery and would like to gain a City and Guilds qualification.

The contact details are:  [email protected] or call 020 7232 5111.

More details available on the Bermondsey Community Kitchen website.

 

Nelson Dock hotel relaunches as ‘DoubleTree by Hilton’

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The former Hilton hotel at Nelson Dock is now trading under its less-than-catchy new name: ‘DoubleTree by Hilton London Docklands Riverside’.

John Greenleaf, global head of DoubleTree by Hilton, said, “The DoubleTree by Hilton London Docklands Riverside is just a two minute ferry ride across the River Thames to Canary Wharf, one of the world’s major global business districts, and near to international exhibition and event centres such as the O2 Arena and ExCel London. We are delighted to warmly welcome both business and leisure guests to this thriving London neighbourhood.”

The hotel’s general manager Howard Lewis added: “With views of the River Thames from the hotel’s restaurant and bar and a majority of guestrooms, the DoubleTree by Hilton London Docklands Riverside offers a sanctuary for both business and leisure guests in London. The hotel is ideal to unwind after a long day and soak in the ambience created by Canary Wharf’s lights sparkling across the river. We are extremely excited to welcome guests to the newly refurbished hotel.”

There are 10 DoubleTree hotels already in London and each guest is given a warm chocolate chip cookie when they check in.

The hotel is on Twitter @DoubleTreeDock and its associated restaurant is @ColumbiaRest

Barry Albin-Dyer RIP

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Barry Albin-Dyer – Bermondsey funeral director and well-known local personality – has died after a long illness. He was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2013.

Barry worked long-established family firm of FA Albin & Sons for 45 years and been its proprietor since 1985.

He had also served as a magistrate and a deputy lieutenant of Greater London.

His sons Simon and Jon posted this message on the company website on Saturday:

It is with much sadness that we have to inform you that Dad passed away today.
He fought to the end.
We are so proud of him and we offer our sincere thanks for all the many prayers and messages of support that we have received.
You will appreciate that this is a very difficult time for our family and all the staff at Albins.
We will issue a further update in the coming days.
Love to you all
Simon & Jon

His autobiography Don’t Drop the Coffin was turned into an ITV series.

* Read Barry’s 2006 interview with The Observer.

Trading opportunities at Bermondsey Carnival

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The date has been set for the Bermondsey Carnival on Saturday 4 July.

Now the application process for traders is open.

From the letter to potential traders:

Opportunities are available for commercial traders, catering concessions, charities, community organisations, fun concessions and even for local individuals through our Rumble in the Jumble area.

The application form is also online.

Click and comment on the Blue Bermondsey map

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The Blue Bermondsey Business Improvement District, local landowner Grosvenor and the London Borough of Southwark have launched a new online survey map which asks local businesses, residents and visitors for their views on the neighbourhood and its future development.

Accessible at bluebermondsey.commonplace.is, all you have to do is click on any location on the area map, add your comments and select what you would like to see more of in the Blue Bermondsey area.

BID manager and local businessman Russell Dryden said: “The appeal of the Commonplace survey is that it is so easy to use and will give all in the neighbourhood an opportunity to air their views.

“We can then use this vital input to assist local businesses in improving business growth to create more employment opportunities and working with the council to influence future planning, will contribute to making our area more prosperous for all.”

Katherine Rodgers of Grosvenor said: “We know that being new to Bermondsey means we have a lot to learn, and so we’re looking forward to hearing what the community loves, likes or even dislikes about the area to help inform what we do here.”

South Bermondsey councillor Leo Pollak added: “We are all excited to see this unique survey up and running.

“Unlike other consultations, everyone’s comments and ideas can be seen and the input collected will influence the future direction of the BID, as well as the council’s approach to the high street and market place, so it’s important we all have our say.

“I would encourage everyone who cares about the future of our area to add their comments and to encourage their friends and neighbours to do so as well.”

To add your comments, or simply see what others are saying about the Blue Bermondsey neighbourhood, visit bluebermondsey.commonplace.is

Murals planned for John Bull Arch

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One of the successful bids in the latest round of Southwark’s High Street Challenge came from Blue Bermondsey Business Improvement District which will receive £22,695 to create new murals in the John Bull Arch.

They will also host workshops and events related to the murals to encourage people to spend more time in the area.

Cllr Ian Wingfield, cabinet member for communities, employment and business, said: “The high street is at the heart of our thriving communities right across Southwark, and the Council is backing local businesses to grow, expand and achieve more.

“We are pleased to have received so many applications which confirms what we already know; that businesses care about the towns they live, work and socialise in. As a council, we are committed to supporting businesses with innovative ideas and backing groups running locally-led initiatives for the good of the high street.

“We’re looking forward to receiving more inspiring ideas and applications when the next round of funding opens later this month.”

Don’t Drop the Coffin to be repeated on London Live

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Don’t Drop the Coffin – the documentary series about funeral directors FA Albin and Sons first shown on ITV twelve years ago – is to be repeated on local television channel London Live.

The series starts on Wednesday 7 January at 8pm.

London Live is on Freeview channel 8 in the London region, Sky channel 117 and Virgin Media 159.

Albin’s was recently honoured with a Southwark blue plaque.

The whole series is available to view on YouTube courtesy of the production company STV.

Blue Christmas: photos

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On Sunday the Blue Bermondsey Business Improvement District hosted a Christmas event at the Blue.

Sponsors included Biscuit Factory developer Grosvenor.

“The BID already seems to be doing a fantastic job of uniting the surrounding communities, and we’re only too happy to support its efforts,” said Katherine Rodgers, project director at Grosvenor.

“We feel lucky to have such active neighbours, and look forward to celebrating Christmas together for many years to come.”

Photos courtesy of Grosvenor