Wasted London is the New Journal’s investigative series about unused property and silent construction sites

A PRIME commercial unit opposite Hampstead Heath has been allowed to stand empty for eight years, writes Caitlin Maskell.

The wasted opportunity is the former Monica clothing shop close to the overground station in South End Road.

Owner and designer Monica Mayer moved out after almost 40 years in 2018, citing rising rents and the increased costs of her business.

The pre-fab building has remained empty and has been branded an “eyesore” by nearby businesses.

Kamlesh Patel, who runs the Hampstead Heath Pharmacy next door said: “It affects business because people are put off by it. It would be nice for the community to see it back in use.”

Alan Handscomb, who has run Ruby’s Florist and Fruiterer for 18 years added: “It’s incredible for a shop that size in this location to be empty. I’d like to have it, it would be perfect for us, flowers and fruit – but there has always been a problem with it.”

The old Monica clothes shop in Hampstead

Pret A Manger was linked with a move into the building but pulled out of negotiations.

Squatters gained access in 2023 while structural issues have complicated any redevelopment because the building sits directly above the railway line.

The site is owned by Network Rail and leased to the Arch Company.

In December last year, fresh plans were submitted to the council by Arch Company to demolish the existing building and create a new retail store.

Planning documents said the current unit was in a “very poor” condition and that temporary propping was being used to shore up the building.

A spokesperson for The Arch Company said: “We have been actively progressing plans to redevelop this site and bring it back into use. Our application is at an advanced stage and, once consent is secured, further approvals will be required from Network Rail due to the site’s proximity to the railway. While this is a complex process, we are making positive progress and are hopeful the scheme will be approved by the council soon.”