A closing date has been set for a Homebase store as redevelopment plans for the O2 Centre come to fruition.
The closure of Homebase at the O2 Centre in Finchley Road was part of the proposals set to begin developing 1,800 new homes behind the shopping centre.
Now multiple ‘store closing’ signs have been put up around the outside and inside the shop.
Homebase has confirmed to the Ham&High that the shop will close its doors on December 10 this year.
Former council leader Keith Moffit, who is co-chair of the Fortune Green and West Hampstead Neighbourhood Development Forum, said the group “regrets the continued loss of retail and associated jobs” in the West Hampstead area.
He continued: “In particular, when it comes to builders merchants and DYI outlets, we have already lost Travis Perkins in West End Lane, and the Builder Depot in Blackburn Road is under threat because of the O2 development.”
Camden Council’s planning committee gave “conditional” approval on March 30 for detailed and outline applications to developer Landsec.
This includes the first phase of the development for 608 new homes, new commercial space and a community garden on the Sainsbury’s car park.
An outline of later phases, which include the future of the O2 Centre and the potential development of a NHS health centre, shops and “community green” open space, were also given consent.
Landsec says the development will provide a boost to the local economy with 1,000 new jobs and generating £49 million.
Landsec said that 35 per cent of the 1,800 homes in the new development would be affordable.
Plans for the site include a new town square with shops and restaurants, as well as a gym and a cinema. A “tree-lined” park will also connect Finchley Road to West Hampstead.
Tim Trillo, development director at Landsec, previously said: “The decision will transform a grey car park and a shopping centre at risk of decline, into a high-quality, green, and inclusive place for the whole community.
“As a long-term investor in Camden, we want to support a thriving community for many years to come and are excited to start bringing our vision to life.
“This decision represents the start of that journey - we look forward to continuing to work with residents, local businesses, our commercial and community partners, and Camden Council to realise these plans.”
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