Redhill

The end of the nineteenth century saw a huge growth in the population of London - Greater London doubled in size between 1861 and 1911.

Sainsbury’s kept on top of the urban sprawl that was eclipsing the regions outside of London, seeking out up-and-coming locations further afield.

In 1899 the ‘market field’ at Redhill was acquired by Sainsbury’s at a quarterly ground rent of £18. The shop was the first to be classified by Sainsbury’s as a ‘country’ branch, marking the beginning of a new phase.  During the following decade branches were opened in other provincial towns such as Brighton, Eastbourne, Guildford, Folkestone, Tunbridge Wells and Oxford.

As far as possible, these new branches were on freehold sites, thus building up a substantial portfolio of property.  By the time of Sainsbury’s incorporation in 1922, the new private company was valued at £1,300,000.