As a dedicated member of our vibrant community here in Southwark, I witness daily the joy that places like Pizza Hut, Hollywood Bowl, Odeon & the Bingo hall bring to our diverse population. These establishments, tucked away in Surrey Quays retail/leisure park, have been central to our lives for generations. Growing up in Southwark- Bermondsey, Peckham, Deptford, Rotherhithe and Canada Water, these places have been stitched into the fabric of our collective history, holding countless cherished memories.

It has now come to our attention that the council plans to demolish these beloved entertainment hubs within a matter of weeks. The impact of this decision threatens to tear away not just bricks and mortar, but the heart of our community. For the young, the elderly, the disabled, and families in our community, these establishments offer affordable and local recreational activities. Moreover, they represent one of the few remaining locations in the area that caters to these diverse entertainment needs. We have nothing in the area besides. 

In a time where communities are becoming increasingly isolated, locations such as these serve as vital social pillars, fostering camaraderie and unity. Kids celebrate birthdays at Pizza Hut, families bond over bowling games, senior citizens enjoy afternoons at the Bingo hall, and film enthusiasts go to the Odeon. This may also be a place for a first date or to enjoy a film with friends on the weekend- this is more than just a retail park. 

It was all speculation and nothing was confirmed about this site.  No proper consultations have taken place so it is wrong/disgraceful of the council not to take into consideration the needs of the community. 

To force these businesses out when they have fought hard throughout the pandemic to trade, and are ultimately the reason why this site still exists and still has a buzz.  How dare the council treat them and us as a community in this way. This is a BIG problem. 

A lot of us actually have spent time getting to know the staff at these establishments and we are also upset that they will be made redundant and struggle with the change of circumstances probably for a while after. They also have families and/or need an income to support themselves so this is nothing the council should be proud of. 

Do they understand how much of the community this affects? 

The proposed demolition by the council doesn't just indicate a disregard for heritage, but a dismissal of the diverse needs of the community they are supposed to represent.

At no point has the community known about any consultations that they can participate in nor has this been advertised for anyones voice to be heard.  This so called “consultation” has been completed/conducted ineffectively. 
Also- there is a huge percentage of the community that wants to voice their opinion and disagrees with the proposed plan. Although the council/British Land have tried hard not to take this into consideration, The community has a voice and IT WILL BE HEARD. 

We support extending the site for more entertainment, jobs, and retail/food businesses, keeping it a leisure park but we oppose replacing existing structures with unaffordable housing and an unnecessary Tescos that limit opportunities for everyone and the needs of the community.  
The plan includes no sure replacement for what we are losing. 

An old, unused Frankie and Bennie's has been vacant for over a year, leaving plenty of space for new community and visitor activities. Why must these businesses leave? They have provided happy memories and served the community well. With no alternatives in our area, we would have to travel farther, which discriminates against the disabled, elderly, and those with medical issues. This is a terrible idea.

This needs to be stopped. The council needs to agree to keeping the site for social /retail and entertainment purpose only. They also need to consult the public adequately before such change is made. 

Despite them announcing that it will close in August/September 2024 , in a matter of weeks, we still have the right to oppose and make noise about this. This directly affects all of us so the council NEEDS to take us into consideration.

Together we can try to save a valuable part of our community. 

‼️Please lets get SIGNING and SHARING‼️

We need as many signatures ASAP  so we this can be put at a pause and hopefully stopped.  This is a horrible plan that will ruin and take away our community. 

To keep these indispensable places alive, we implore you to sign this petition.

Stand with us, as we rally to preserve the heart of our community in Southwark.

Sign the petition. Help us halt the demolition of Surrey Quays retail park and keep alive our beloved retail/leisure park and the wonderful businesses that have been asked to vacate in September. 

Pizza Hut, Odeon, Hollywood Bowl & The Bingo hall.

This is personal to me, as this was a big part of my childhood and now, i’m a mum of a young child  with Autism, these are his favourite places to go and due to his mobility, the fact it is local means its amazing/accessible for us. These places make him so happy and offer him the chance to participate in activities without being too far away or distressing him. He is always so happy when visiting Pizza Hut each week and we personally, use this site every week.  I can only imagine how many other children will suffer because of this plan but its important for my child, your children and the future generation to have this place accessible to them. We need our leisure park! 

sign please!!! And Send it on for people to sign also! Lets try to put a stop to it together as a community effort

SAY NO TO SOUTHWARK COUNCIL GETTING RID OF OUR BELOVED SURREY QUAYS RETAIL PARK AND BUSINESSES