Transport for London (TfL) has ordered the closure of two businesses in Elephant and Castle, following an inspection that revealed urgent roofing repairs are needed. The affected establishment, Chillies Tandoori Grill, located on St George’s Circus, was asked to vacate its premises several weeks ago, allowing TfL to commence necessary repairs. Additionally, the adjacent shop, which previously operated as a coffee shop, has been vacant since 2023 and will also require similar repairs.
Residents in the area noticed a closure notice affixed to the door of Chillies Tandoori Grill, which sparked speculation that TfL was preparing to repossess the units for potential redevelopment linked to the nearby Bakerloo Line depot on London Road. However, a spokesperson from Places for London, the property management arm of TfL, clarified that there are no redevelopment plans for the site.
Safety Concerns Prompt Urgent Repairs
The spokesperson confirmed that the request for the business to vacate was solely to facilitate urgent roofing repairs identified during the recent inspection. They stated, “During inspections of our properties in St George’s Circus we found roofing in urgent need of repair. Unfortunately, these repairs cannot be completed while tenants are trading, so last year we asked them to vacate the unit and continue to work with them to find an alternative solution.”
Places for London emphasized that safety is paramount in their decision-making processes. The spokesperson remarked, “Safety is at the forefront of Places for London’s decision making. As has been necessary here, we have had to make a swift but difficult decision to move our tenant out of the unit so we can ensure the safety of all in the area.”
Once the repairs are completed, former tenants will have the opportunity to return to their premises before the spaces are offered to any new businesses. The units are owned by TfL due to their proximity to the Elephant and Castle London Underground depot, where any structural issues could significantly impact the operation of the Tube network.
Community Response and Concerns
The swift closure of Chillies Tandoori Grill has raised concerns among local residents and traders. Some expressed frustration over the lack of communication regarding the situation. Local traders have organized protests outside the Castle Square premises after being locked out over unpaid bills, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by businesses in the area.
As TfL addresses the necessary repairs, the community remains hopeful for a resolution that allows for a return to normalcy for the affected businesses. The situation underscores the delicate balance between infrastructure safety and the livelihoods of local entrepreneurs.
