Erith Riverside Shopping Centre's owners 'considering demolition'

By Tom Kilkelly

19 June 2023

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Nigel Cox / Erith: Riverside Shopping Centre

Erith Riverside Shopping Centre could be demolished in five to ten years time according to information corresponding to the owner's, BYM Capital, plans.

Reports based on information found on the Bexley Council website has revealed that the plan is to convert a unit in the shopping centre into a set of five classrooms. It also said the large number of empty shops in the centre may allow for a lower rent price.

A direct quote from the planning documents said: “It was mentioned that the owners of the shopping mall are considering demolishing the mall within the next five to 10 years and replacing it with a new development. As a result, there is a significant number of unoccupied shops. ICMG Bexley plans to make use of this opportunity by renting space at below-market value for temporary use.”

The unit was previously an Argos but closed in 2020. The space has since been used pop-up cinema by the Erith Town Partnership, a collective of local businesses aimed at promoting the area for residents.

The centre includes more than 165,000 sq ft of shop space and approximately 800 parking spaces. A series of improvements to the centre were completed in 2022, including new shop fronts and a new dedicated unit to be used for free by local businesses.

A spokesperson for BYM Capital said: “We are currently exploring different options for the site but haven’t as yet developed any plans for our long-term interest in the site. Any plans would include discussions with the council and the community including a public consultation as part of any major planning application.”

By Tom Kilkelly

Tom Kilkelly started working as a freelance journalist for The Business Magazine following his graduation from UCL in 2022.

During his studies Tom became very interested in the works of Irish authors including Samuel Beckett and Flann O'Brien (Brian O'Nolan).

His current role as a freelance business reporter is his first exposure to the world of business journalism. Working at TBM has given Tom the chance to really get to grips with the goings-on in the business hive that is the South East.