Sainsbury's, Greenwich

Sainsbury's, Greenwich, known as the Sainsbury's Millennium Store, was a pioneering supermarket located in Greenwich Peninsula, London, which opened in 1999. Celebrated for its environmentally friendly design, it was recognized as the world's first 'Green supermarket' and was shortlisted for the prestigious Stirling Prize in 2000. The store featured innovative sustainable elements, including solar panels and wind turbines, which allowed it to consume 50% less energy than traditional supermarkets. Designed by Chetwoods Architects, the building was notable for its unique circular shape and natural lighting, creating a pleasant shopping atmosphere. Despite its acclaim, the store faced criticism for its car-centric design and was ultimately demolished in 2016 to make way for an IKEA store. The site, once an industrial area, was redeveloped as part of the Greenwich Millennium project, making it a significant landmark in the area’s transformation.