Since December 2014, we’ve been exploring some of the issues around traditional and street markets with a number of campaign groups. Here’s a brief snapshot of where they are at the moment, as well as some other news on markets. We would love to hear about people campaigning on markets, especially in places outside London. Please get in touch through our ‘contact’ section.
Queen’s Market (E. London)- An Asset of Community Value!
After a long campaign, Friends of Queen’s Market have got their market listed as an Asset of Community Value. Like Brixton Market arcades, this recognition comes not from architectural significance but for cultural and community significance, as an essential public amenity in a low-income, ethnically-mixed part of East London. FOQM’s work is never done however; this month sees them putting pressure on Newham Council to fix the Market roof, after many delays and poor work. They have a demonstration planned for October 3rd at 12pm.
Shepherd's Bush Market (W.London) - High Court upholds compulsory purchase of market shops, traders fight on
On 31st July, the campaign over the redevelopment of Shepherd's Bush Market goes on after a disappointing judgement in the High Court over central government intervention in the development on and around this West London market. From their press release: 'Traders in the much-loved 100-year-old Market took legal action after Mr Pickles overturned the recommendation of an independent senior inspector to refuse to confirm the CPO following a Public Inquiry in 2014 because the proposed development of Shepherd’s Bush Market did not offer sufficient guarantees and financial safeguards for the long-standing market traders. The Inspector, Ava Wood, also stated that the development would threaten the ethnic diversity, independence and small scale retailing environment that is central to the appeal of the area. Despite this finding, Eric Pickles, as Communities Secretary, overturned his Inspector’s recommendation, without giving any reasons. This decision would enable the property developer Orion to build on the site, which involves substantial disruption and alteration to the market. The traders describe the legal action as a battle for their livelihoods, protecting the businesses which have been worked by the same families in the Market for generations. ' The traders are now seeking permission to appeal against the decision.
Watch a clip about the decision here https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=31&v=vuTyARXq2aM
Sign the petition to support the traders here https://www.change.org/p/save-the-shepherds-bush-market-businesses
Ward’s Corner Community Coalition (N. London) – Launch of new Development Trust, including the Latin American Market
The West Green Road / Seven Sisters Development Trust came out of the WCCC campaign to save Seven Sisters Indoor Market, a covered market and department store building in Tottenham, North London. The Community Plan for the site has planning permission but needs to be managed by a Trust, which is currently in development. The launch for the The West Green Road / Seven Sisters Development will be on Monday 28th September. The First Steps project will set the Trust's priorities across four key areas: 1) Business Plan & Funding; 2) Feasibility Studies; 3) Stakeholder Engagement & Communications; and 4) Governance. More information at https://n15developmenttrust.wordpress.com/
Chrisp St Market (E. London) – First public meeting of the campaign!
Tower Hamlets Renters have now had a number of stalls and door-knocking sessions focused on the regeneration of Chrisp Street Market and shops by social landlord Poplar HARCA. The first public meeting of the Save Chrisp Street Market campaign will bring residents, shoppers and traders together to demand a say in plans to redevelop the site. It will be on 20th October at St Matthias Community Centre, Poplar High Street, E14 0AE. More information can be found at https://towerhamletsrenters.wordpress.com or follow @savechrispst on Twitter.