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Traders win battle to save Brixton Market
Peter Dominiczak16.03.09
PLANS to demolish one of London's most famous markets have been shelved after opposition from traders and residents.
Brixton Market was set to undergo a huge redevelopment by London Associated Properties.
The developer has now announced that it intends to save the market because of concerns over the future of its traders.
In a victory for the Standard's Save Our Small Shops campaign, the historic market, which has been running since the 1870s, now looks to be safe in the short-term at least.
Campaigners have welcomed the turnaround but said they are still working to make demolition impossible by getting the site listed.
Campaigners had feared that the developer, which has faced outcry over its plans to redevelop the Antiquarius market in the King's Road, intended to turn Brixton's covered market into a West End-style shopping precinct.
A spokesman for the developer said it would not pursue its mixed development, residential-led scheme any further.
He said the decision has been taken in light of the dramatic downturn in the residential sales market and said that the business intended to invest money into the market to improve its retail environment and safeguard the future of the 140 traders who work there.
John Heller, chief executive officer of LAP, said: "We have always recognised the important contribution that the markets have made to the cultural identity of Brixton and remain committed to ensuring that they will continue to provide a strong offer to local shoppers and tourists alike for the foreseeable future."
Alex Holland, chairman of the Friends of Brixton Market, said: "We see the apparent change of heart as a victory for Brixton's residents and traders, but we also recognise LAP can resubmit an application to demolish the market at any point in the future.
"This is why we urge the Government to list the market to make it impossible for any developer to demolish it and the diverse community it represents."
Reader views (11)
Without Brixton market we would have to sustain on Tesco and the ilk's substandard fodder. Leave Brixton Market alone!
http://niftynoshing.blogspot.com/2009/04/brixton-market-london-heritage-site.html
- Artour Mitski, Brixton, London
Well done to you all. Please can you send a little bit of that magic over to Greenwich where everything is currently being shut down to make way for the brave new world of High Street UK?
- Paul, Greenwich, London
Fantastic news and really uplifting that the community and common sense have overcome "developer mania". I am proud to be a Brixtonian (although I grew up on a farm in Lancashire and my girlfriend on a farm in Cameroon!). Brixton without the market as we known it would become Claphamton...god help us. Please would all those Starbucks mall ites and Costa yummy mummies who have commented negatively go and live in Milton Keynes or even Shepherds Bush...Brixton remains and will now continue to be the coolest, fabest, and most interesting place to live, embrace and enjoy in south central London. Brixton is the United Nations personified and the market traders are as colourful, entertaining, fiesty, tasty and attractive as (most of!) their goods... Oh and if those shopping centre freaks decide to actually visit the market and get their feet dirty on the odd discarded plantain skin or okra stem, then look up... there are some wonderful buildings supported by the market's beat....and when they look down they will see fresher, better (and cheaper!) fruit, fish, meat and vegetables of unimagineable variety. Big up the market team and all who sale and sell in her. Peace innit 
- Richard Hogarth, Brixton England
I live in Brixton and the market is run down and filthy. This decision is a real step back and will do nothing to improve the reputation of the area. Brixton will continue to be seen as a no go zone to outsiders if we don't smarten up our act. The area has a such a rich and diverse heritage and it's time to return to the good old prosperous days and get Brixton firmly back on the map as a destination. I love Brixton and all it has to offer but we desperately need an upgrade. This is change we should embrace and not oppose.
- Peter, Brixton, United Kingdom
People think the market is run down. What they haven't considered is that the owners/developers haven't maintained it. Imagine Brixton market clean and painted, the arcades open in the evening, a mix of shops, low rents protected for small retailers. Pull it down because it's dirty? That's what they want you to think.
- Desmond, Brixton
I live in brixton and never set foot in the market. Its dirty, out of date and irrelevant. Get a nice shopping center with mid-market hotel accom and some other Lite industry. The whole of brixton needs a good re-vamp, Traffic wise. Film Studios to Rival the Old Ealing Studios is what the Area needs, not one-man and His dog traders.
- Ron, Brixton
AS an ex Londoner I'm delighted to read that the market is saved. My thanks to all who worked to save it.
- Frank, BONCATH, WALES
i agree with Melvyn,so much rotting in London,bring it up to date.
- Mitch, london
Another part of London that will just undergo a long lingering death, one only has to see the rotting buildings at Harts Corner, Farringdon Street to see what a long drawn out deriliction does.
Far better to clear an area and build new buildings fit for the 21st century.
- Melvyn Windebank, Canvey Island, Essex
A massive victory for common sense.
- Marianne, SW France
Well done Brixton traders. I used to know the market well and it is a part of community needs and living.
- Tony Islander, Herts
