Cricklewood Co-op to close November 21 ahead of demolition
The supermarket site on Cricklewood Lane will be replaced by residential blocks and commercial units.
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The central claim is attributed to Barnet Council and specific developers, but lacks direct quotes or named sources.
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The article clearly separates facts from historical context and provides specific details about the development plans.
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The Co-op supermarket located at 1-13 Cricklewood Lane will close its doors on November 21. This closure precedes the demolition of the entire block, which housed the supermarket, adjacent shops, and offices. The site, formerly the Queens Hall Cinema, is slated for redevelopment into residential and commercial spaces.
New Development Plans
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Under plans submitted to Barnet Council, the existing buildings will be replaced by two six-storey residential blocks and a nine-storey tower. The development will also incorporate flexible town centre units for Class E use and a drinking establishment at ground floor level. In total, 331 shared living residential units are proposed for the upper floors, alongside communal facilities and amenity spaces. The plans were made in conjunction with Soco (Cricklewood) Ltd.
Wittington Investments (Properties) Ltd acquired the Cricklewood Lane site in January 2024 for £16.8 million. The property previously housed the Queens Hall Cinema, which opened in 1920 and was later refurbished as a 1,900-seat venue. After its closure in 1960, the site was redeveloped for retail use, including a supermarket.
Site History
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The location at 3 Cricklewood Lane has a long history as a cinema. Originally the Queens Hall Cinema, it was taken over by Denman/Gaumont British Theatres in March 1928 and renamed Gaumont in 1949. Following its closure by the Rank Organisation in January 1960, the building was demolished to make way for a supermarket. Over the years, the retail space has been occupied by KwikSave and Somerfield before becoming a Co-op in 2017.
Alternative Co-op stores remain available for customers in Cricklewood Broadway and further along Cricklewood Lane.
Questions this report answers
+When will the Cricklewood Co-op store close?
The Co-op store at 1-13 Cricklewood Lane is scheduled to close its doors on November 21. This date marks the end of trading for the supermarket at this location before the site undergoes demolition.
+What will replace the Co-op store?
The site will be redeveloped to include two six-storey blocks and a nine-storey tower. These buildings will house 331 shared living residential units, along with flexible commercial units and a drinking establishment on the ground floor.
+Who is behind the development plans?
The development plans are being carried out by Wittington Investments (Properties) Ltd, which purchased the site in January 2024 for £16.8m. The plans have been made in tandem with Soco (Cricklewood) Ltd.
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