A former pub in East Dulwich that has been shut for 12 years following a fire could be demolished under new plans.
The Grove pub in Lordship Lane closed its doors in 2012 after a kitchen fire and has remained shut ever since, with the lease held by Stonegate ending in September 2025.
However, the former pub could now be demolished, with the space temporarily turned into a community garden, under plans submitted by the site owners, The Dulwich Estate, to Southwark Council earlier this month.
In the proposals, The Dulwich Estate said the building is “beyond viable repair” due to extensive fire damage and water ingress, leaving it in a “severely dilapidated” condition.
The adjoining car park has already been brought back into use as a skate park.
Under the plans, the pub would be demolished and the site given a “meanwhile use” as a community garden.
Following the removal of the fire‑damaged building, the cleared and re‑graded plot would be opened up as a temporary green space run by Grove DIY Community Interest Company (CIC), the community group already responsible for the neighbouring skate park and growing areas behind the former pub.
The proposal is intended to activate the site in the short term while longer‑term redevelopment options are explored.
The community garden would feature a range of practical and flexible facilities, including poly tunnels and garden sheds to support food growing and storage, alongside movable planters for fruit and vegetable cultivation.
Potted trees and additional planting would be introduced to soften the appearance of the site and enhance biodiversity, while an open‑sided structure would provide sheltered space for workshops, classes and community events.
Seating and picnic areas are also proposed.
All elements of the garden would be temporary and free‑standing, allowing them to be removed or relocated at the end of the meanwhile period without leaving a permanent footprint.
As part of the works, the site would be re‑levelled to provide step‑free access from surrounding pavements, improving accessibility compared with its current condition.
Safety measures would include perimeter fencing of up to two metres in height and controlled entrance and exit points.
Residents can submit feedback on Southwark Council’s planning portal under reference 26/AP/1059, with the consultation period open until May 7.
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