The Co-op supermarket at 1–13 Cricklewood Lane in Cricklewood will close its doors on November 21, ahead of the demolition of the entire block to make way for a major new development. The store's closing date has been revealed in a sign displayed in the window, as reported by Bridget Galton, Features Editor and Associate Editor.
Details of the Planned Development
The block of shops, flats, and offices next to the B&Q will be torn down and replaced with two six-storey blocks and a nine-storey tower. The plans, lodged with Barnet Council, have been prepared in tandem by Wittington Investments (Properties) Ltd and Soco (Cricklewood) Ltd.
The site was purchased in January 2024 by Wittington Investments (Properties) Ltd for £16.8 million. The application proposes three blocks of between six and nine storeys, connected by a two-storey central building, housing 331 shared living residential units with ancillary communal facilities and amenity spaces on upper floors. Flexible town centre (Class E use) units and a drinking establishment are proposed at ground floor level.
History of the Site and Nearby Closures
The supermarket is located next to the Lucky 7 Irish pub, which closed in August after operating for more than 30 years in a former shop. The pub's closure was also part of the redevelopment plans.
The site at 3 Cricklewood Lane was originally the Queens Hall Cinema, opened in 1920. It was taken over by Denman/Gaumont British Theatres in March 1928 and refurbished as a 1,900-seat cinema. Renamed Gaumont in 1949, it was closed by the Rank Organisation in January 1960 and demolished to make way for a supermarket. Over the years, the supermarket has operated as KwikSave, Somerfield, and since 2017 as a Co-op, which will serve its final customer next month.
Alternative Options and Impact
Customers seeking alternative locations can visit other Co-op stores in Cricklewood Broadway and further along Cricklewood Lane. The closure marks the end of an era for the site, which has been a retail landmark for decades.
The new development is expected to significantly change the area, adding hundreds of residential units and new commercial spaces. The demolition and construction will reshape the Cricklewood Lane area, with the project moving forward as planned.
