The Threat of Hotel Development on Local Businesses
As the prospect of a seven-storey hotel looms over New College Parade in Finchley Road, Swiss Cottage, a sense of unease has settled among the local businesses that currently call the area home. The developer, New College Ltd, has set its sights on transforming the bustling parade of shops into a 59-room boutique hotel, a move that could spell disaster for long-standing establishments like Eye See You opticians, Tech Gear phone accessories and repairs, Tanning & Beauty, and Green Cottage Restaurant.
Tech Gear, a popular destination for customers in need of mobile phone, tablet, and laptop repairs, is run by Tapan Shah, a father-of-two who signed a five-year lease in 2022 with hopes of solidifying his business in the community. Shah expressed his concerns, stating, “People can live without a meal for one day but they can’t live without their phones. We help so many senior citizens set up mobiles and laptops, if they require printing services we do all of this. What’s the point of only staying five years then change location? My family will be on the road, this is my bread and butter.”
The Impact on Established Businesses
With over five decades of service under its belt, Green Cottage Restaurant has become a beloved fixture in New College Parade, serving generations of customers with authentic Chinese cuisine. Ray Yu, a waiter at the restaurant, shared his thoughts on the potential closure, saying, “A lot of our customers will be disappointed. They come, two generations, three generations, to eat here.” The looming threat of eviction also affects London Tanning and Beauty Shop, which has been a staple in the area since 1995, offering essential services that have garnered a loyal customer base. The owner, who opted to remain anonymous, expressed their distress, stating, “If we don’t manage to relocate, a 30-year-old business that has survived many economic crises, we will have to close.”
Eye See You, a new addition to the parade, opened its doors in March, offering bespoke high-end glasses to the community. The owners, who chose to remain unnamed, highlighted the importance of building trust with customers in the optometry field, emphasizing the impact of familiarity and reliability in their industry.
Developer’s Perspective and Community Response
In response to the growing concerns from local businesses, a spokesperson for New College Ltd shed light on the development plans, revealing that planning permission was originally granted in 2015 for a complete rebuild of the site. Discussions with Camden Council and neighboring stakeholders led to refinements in the proposed scheme, including adjustments to the building’s height, increased distance between properties, tree preservation, and privacy measures for nearby residents.
The spokesperson also addressed the issue of commercial leases, noting that all current tenants were informed of the long-term plans for the property and were offered discounted rents due to the impending changes. The timeline for the project hinges on the council’s approval, with the developers committed to working closely with tenants, local stakeholders, and the council to ensure a smooth transition and minimize disruptions.
As the fate of New College Parade hangs in the balance, the community braces for potential upheaval and loss of livelihoods. The delicate balance between progress and preservation remains a pressing issue, with stakeholders on both sides advocating for their interests in a rapidly evolving landscape.