Hoxton Iceland could be demolished to pave the way for luxury flats

Hoxton Street Iceland could be demolished to make way for luxury flats next year.

A planning application has been lodged for a part-four and part-five storey building with two ground floor shops beneath 25 private flats.

The supermarket chain had quashed rumours of imminent closure in November,after rumours sparked panic among shoppers and accusations of further gentrification.

A spokesperson told the Gazette at the time the lease didn’t run out until 2019, and this week the store clarified the position, saying: “Our store lease in fact runs until 2024, but with a break clause that would allow the landlord to obtain possession in September 2019 if planning permission for redevelopment is granted. Iceland cannot be required to vacate until 2019.”

The developer behind the application, Blair Estates , maintains the proposed building would offer a “major opportunity” to “enhance the urban landscape”.

“The site has a significant development potential, which in its present use appears underused,” Blair said. “It will provide residential units over and above the present retail use, which would have the positive effect of helping meet housing need.”

Comments can be made until September 20.