An interesting wee article in the Evening Times today about the possible opening by the end of the year of a Sainsbury’s on Darnley Road on the site of the old petrol station. The size of the space and the planning application indicate it will be a similar size to the unit they recently opened on Victoria Road (on the former Hoey’s site).
Work has not yet started but several of the local shopkeepers, particularly those running convenience stores and newsagents, have expressed concern about the potential impact on the local independent shops and Pollokshields’ villagey feel. What do you think? Is anything an improvement on a derelict site? Would you shop there in preference to the smaller shops? Or do you think it will add to the area and encourage you to shop more locally instead of driving to a bigger supermarket at Silverburn or Braehead?
I’m surprised that their market research suggests that it’s a good idea. The one on Victoria Road is walking distance, and we have a M&S in the gas station. I can understand why the local convenience store owners would be concerned. One of the great things about the south side is the way locally owned businesses are more common than chains. I don’t think we don’t need another chain mini-grocery.
But, maybe that’s just me. Maybe it would be convenient to a lot of people in Pollokshields who wouldn’t walk to Victoria Road or the gas station on Pollokshaws.
I agree with you Dee however, my windows look from Strathbungo over the site of the intended mini market. A couple of years ago, plans and drawings were posted locally for a block of flats intended for that small patch I didn’t fancy a block of modern featureless flats obscuring the view. I would much prefer a mini grocery. M&S is too busy and too expensive for non M&S goods!
I consider myself a good customer of Susie’s and wouldn’t like for Sainsbury’s to impact on their business. If Susie’s wanted me to sign a petition I would but on the other hand, would welcome the new store….I’m confused but trying to be honest! Also, Victoria Road is too far for me to walk with anything much except an ice cream cone at Queen’s Park Cafe!
I think it will be a good thing for the area to have a Sainsbury’s on Darnley Road,as local residents would be able to buy basic items at supermarket prices and not have to pay the sometimes expensive prices charged by local shops.
I think it’d be fine – i agree M&S is too pricey and also has no choice. I’d actually love it if the M&S expanded into that minging empty building behind it on Pollokshaws Road. I didn’t even realise sainsbury’s had opened on Victoria Rd!
I think that there are enough supermarkets nearby without Sainsbury’s. There is a Morrisons just five mins walk from the site, as well as the Co-op in Shawlands and others on Victoria Road. I would rather the site was developed for small businesses or just tidied up. I’m not sure how the site could cope with the traffic that would be generated due to the speed and volume of traffic on Darnely Road at the moment.