Harrison and Gibson was once a famous high street furniture store in Ilford. Throughout most of the 20th century, the store was an important part of Ilford.
In 1959, the store was destroyed by fire. Damage to the store resulted in the loss of £900,000 in stock and £2 million in property. The business continued, and various spaces were rented. The nightclub room remained for many years and the furniture store continued to sell furniture on a smaller scale for the next 20 years.
There was a nightclub in the penthouse of the store, which was accessible only by elevator.
Planning permission has now been granted by Redbridge Council for the demolition and redevelopment of the iconic Harrison Gibson. It is proposed to convert this vacant, deteriorating building into 330 new apartments, including 103 affordable rentals.
I was fortunate to have the chance to go inside and take photos of the derelict Harrison Gibson building in May 2022.