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Camden market to rise from the ashes
Ruth Bloomfield30 Oct 2009
This is the first image of plans to rebuild Camden's Canal Market, which was devastated by fire last year.
The owners of the site have unveiled proposals for a new covered market alongside the Regent's Canal, which will have a series of buildings with distinctive rooftop pavilions linked by walkways.
There will also be 130 homes in blocks up to seven storeys tall, and the developers have not ruled out adding a hotel. Consultation has begun on the proposals and a planning application could be made by the end of the year.
Canal Market was burned down in February last year after a portable heater caught fire. Some 450 residents had to leave their homes as firefighters tackled 100ft flames. The bill for the damage was £30million.
The market site has since reopened with temporary "shed style" stalls.
Redevelopments of Camden's Lock and Stables Market have been criticised for driving out small traders, so locals are keen that the developers prioritise independent stallholders.
Andrew McMillan, of business partnership Camden Town Unlimited, said: "What we all know about Camden is that the independent stores and stallholders make it what it is. We don't want it turned into anywhereville."
Eleanor Botwright, director of the nearby Castlehaven Community Centre, said: "We want something of value to residents as well as tourists, with Borough Market as a model."
Mark Alper, spokesman for developers Stanley Sidings, added: "We do not wish to turn it into a shopping mall."
Music fans will be able to live in the Camden pub that helped launch bands such as Muse and Coldplay. The owners of The Falcon, home of the Barfly club until 2000, have won permission to convert the ground floor into flats.
Reader views (3)
So long as the markets retain their overall character it should be ok. For me the markets are all about music personally. And I hear the management company are releasing an album called 'Sound of Camden'.
- Jordan C, London, UK, 26/04/2010 16:37
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Also convenient given that the owners had apparently been refused planning permission prior to the fire.
There's more detailed info about this on the Save Camden Stables website - the Official site, not the one now owned by the Stables Market management!!
- Eddie, London, 23/11/2009 14:53
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Convenient that a prime piece of real estate burnt down like that at a time when the owners were looking at re-developing? Presumably the existing stall holders will be offered equivalent shops in the new premises at the same rent?
- Bob, Cheam, 30/10/2009 11:55
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