Forum Topic

The failed aspirations of the Oaks Shopping Centre

If KFC are opening at the front of the Oaks it is the final nail in the coffin of the notion that the centre would be leading the gentrification of Acton.While I am not keen on another fast food place at this location I do rejoice that we got Lidl and Iceland rather than Waitrose and Marks and Spencer. In these difficult times it is very welcome that people can pay less for their shopping.

Mark Evans ● 1329d19 Comments

I agree, Elisabeth.  That would be brilliant.  I presume you already know about The Source on Turnham Green Terrace, an E3 bus ride away?  It does much of what you describe.

Alastair Banton ● 1286d

I hope one day to see a refill shop where you can bring your own containers for dry goods such as porridge oats, rice, lentils, raisins etc as well as hand wash, washing up liquid etc in order to reduce single use packaging.

Elisabeth Curlet ● 1292d

We can live in hope .........

Rosco White ● 1304d

Maybe the “Bank hub” will end up in there….https://www.ft.com/content/f217604d-b125-4fcf-a6a1-41d7e7063095

Lewis Barnett ● 1305d

I find it incredible that one of those empty spaces hasn't been used for a Post Office.

Ron Lewis ● 1306d

At the end of the day, the one time Ealing Council Leader, Julian Bell, and his feudal social engineering sychophants in the Ealing Labour Party have established another battery council tax farm. This consists of 140-odd probable rabbit hutch sized flats above the shops, about which they can virtue signal about forever amen, because they are, it seems, the only ones capable of tackling the housing crisis in L.B. of Ealing.The Friary Park Estate redevelopment is a continuation of this deluded process of virtue signalling, and show of power and might, under Julian Bell's successor Peter Mason.

Anthony Hawran ● 1313d

The Oaks tenants to date seem successful because they perfectly match the average, current demographic for Acton.These stores as we know have access to vast amounts of relevant data on shopper numbers/types/habits etc.Which is why, IMHO, you'll not see M & S, Waitrose or anything similar in Acton for quite some time yet.Unless and until the *Poets Corner/Churchfield Road demographic expands exponentially.  😉  👍    * Apologies for omitting Twyford/Mill Hill/Hillcrest etc who may feel left out because they too are arguably on the right side of "posh."  😆

Rosco White ● 1314d

A German kebab shop?  Taking over the world?  A Polish shop next door?  Ooo I’m getting all snowflake ;-)But I do find the scarcity of outlets in the Oaks a bit depressing, though I’m a fan of Wilco.

Alastair Banton ● 1314d

I'm offended, that's Polishest.I now need to have a lie down and calm down.I'm shaking and just SO upset .........              😎       

Rosco White ● 1314d

I hope there isn't a Polish shop next door.

Keith Iddon ● 1314d

A German Doner Kebab shop has opened in West Ealing too. They seem intent on taking over the world.

Susan Kelly ● 1315d

Also, big German Doner Kebab shop just open a few doors up - I think this is the Michelin stared Marco Pierre White one or I could be mistaken!

Lee Harding ● 1315d

I’m from Chiswick and love the fact that in the cold weather I can wander a variety of shops in the comfort of a small indoor centre.  The parking is amazing ! In the better weather , if I’m not expecting a bulky shopI walk up.

Maggie Dodge ● 1321d

Yep, and they'll sell Millions, all these shops are perfectly suited to the Acton environment.  😁Never understood either why it took so long for Lidl (or Aldi) to swoop in after Netto departed.

Rosco White ● 1327d

You are right - my memory had it being a bit further down towards the Town Hall.I can confirm KFC is definitely opening, I went passed today and they are fitting it out.There seem to be two vacant units next to it (going in to the centre). All we need is a Peacocks and a Sports Direct and the band is back together.

Mark Evans ● 1327d

If you look on Google 'back in time' Street view, you'll see there was indeed a KFC in exactly that location.

Peter Evans ● 1328d

Poundland is there already they don’t need to bring it back or has it closed since last week? . The Oaks is a bit cleaner than before the rebuild and it’s nice to have an alternative to Morrison’s.  However  it’s pretty depressing and the owners make zero effort to make it anything less than a charm free zone.

Clare Gittins ● 1328d

Wasn't there a KFC on exactly that spot previously? Seems like they are just reopening their original outlet.

Paul Scullion ● 1328d

Anyone who believed that Waitrose and/or M & S were ever going to seriously open in The Oaks is rather gullible.You only need to look around at the demographic.  😆And I'm part of that demographic - Lidl, Iceland et al suit me just fine.... and bring back Poundland.Or TenPoundLand as it will surely soon be?

Rosco White ● 1329d