'Best shop in Richmond' – saved

By Rory Poulter

29th Jan 2022 | Local News

Independent book shop - The Open Book - has been saved following a campaign backed by 470 local residents and community groups.

The shop in King Street, Richmond, had been threatened by a planning application from the landlord that would have effectively forced its closure.

The application envisaged grabbing part of the shop's floorspace and entrance to create an access for a flat on the upper floors.

As a result, the shop would no longer have been viable while access for people with wheelchairs or buggies would have been impossible.

However, the proposal was withdrawn this week in the face of objections from residents, the Richmond Society , book lovers and local historians.

The shop – run by Helena Caletta for decades - announced: "We would like to confirm that the Planning Application by our Landlord has been withdrawn.

"We are very relieved and would like to say a huge Thanks to all those who objected and a huge thanks to all who supported us during this trying time."

The bookshop was founded as the Magic Bus in 1978 by Pete Townshend, chief songwriter and guitarist with The Who. It later became a Penguin bookshop, affiliated to Penguin books, before becoming The Open Book.

The historic building has become part of the cultural heritage of the town and its supporters have described it as the 'best shop in Richmond'.

The Richmond Society objected to the application, saying it would "compromise the architectural integrity of the streetscape of small independent shops and have a harmful effect on the character and appearance of the Richmond Green Conservation Area".

It described The Open Book as "a significant town centre amenity and a destination shop that brings people into the town".

Architect and president of the Richmond Local History Society, Paul Velluet, said the proposal "would constitute an irreparable loss to the amenity, character and functioning of the historic heart of Richmond as a long-established and diverse shopping area for both local and Borough residents, local workers and visitors alike".

     

New richmond Jobs Section Launched!!
Vacancies updated hourly!!
Click here: richmond jobs

Share:

Related Articles

Black History Month 2024 (credit: Richmond Council).
Local News

Black History Month 2024 events across Richmond Borough

The Met Police are looking for Karima Mahmoud (left) and Adam Glanville who were last seen in Richmond on 3 June 2024 (credit: Met Police).
Local News

Met Police renew appeal to trace missing boy and mother last seen in Richmond

Sign-Up for our FREE Newsletter

We want to provide richmond with more and more clickbait-free local news.
To do that, we need a loyal newsletter following.
Help us survive and sign up to our FREE weekly newsletter.

Already subscribed? Thank you. Just press X or click here.
We won't pass your details on to anyone else.
By clicking the Subscribe button you agree to our Privacy Policy.