Have Tesco scrapped new Woolwich store at former pub site?

Plans for a new Tesco near Woolwich barracks shows no sign of progressing a year after plans were submitted and.

Back in April 2022 an application was made for a new store within a new build at the former King’s Head pub on Francis Street in Woolwich.

Plans were approved and the development completed – but little has happened with the opening of a new Tesco Express.

It always seemed an odd location for a Tesco Express store given passing footfall isn’t that great. Perhaps nearby military personnel formed the target market. But that’s a long shot for regular custom given the normal Express business model.

The pub was formerly home to a pub bombed by the IRA in the 1970s. For decades after neighbouring buildings saw their roofs propped up.

I had family in the area and the haphazard repair always stood out a child before I discovered the site’s history.

Tesco have been contacted for comment.

Running a site alone takes time and a fair bit of money. Adverts are far from enough to cover it and my living costs as a private renter.