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Christmas 2013
No need for new ‘Brixton Yard’ market say traders BY TIM DICKENS
Market traders have spoken out against plans for a new market made up of disused shipping containers in central Brixton. Developers want to turn a small patch of land behind the former Brady’s Pub in Atlantic Road, Brixton into a retail space with 13 containers. Guarav Mohindra, from Iridium Assets Ltd, has applied to Lambeth to build the site, which would be known as “Brixton Yard”. The developers claim the market would include goods like fashion and jewellery, but not food. It will include 30 units based in metal shipping containers, varying between 8ft and 40ft in length. But current market traders have disputed the need for more market space. CEO of Brixton Market Trader’s Federation, Stuart Horwood, told The Brixton Bugle: “This is simply something that Brixton doesn’t need and I’d urge Lambeth not to grant change of use.” He added: “The covered market may be full but the demand there is for restaurants and food. These guys want to have a trinkets and
jewellery market – and the fact is there is already the outdoor market around the corner which is running at only 80% capacity. So there just isn’t the demand for this new market.” The scheme echoes a retail development called Boxpark in Shoreditch, east London. It has an entrance gate next to the railway bridge on Atlantic Road, and another on Electric Lane. In a supporting statement to Lambeth council, a spokesman for Iridium Assets Ltd wrote: “The site is currently derelict. The immediately surrounding areas offer a
STALLS: Sign in Atlantic Rd
diverse selection of shops and market stalls, which give this particular part of Brixton its unique and colourful character.” They added: “The Yard would provide much needed extra space to the neighbouring Brixton Market, which is currently running to its full capacity.” The land was formerly owned by Transport for London, as it includes an air vent for the Tube station below, but The Bugle understands it has since been bought by Iridium Assets Ltd. The historic Brady’s pub is currently being developed into flats on the upper floors and the restaurant chain Wahaca is set to open on the ground floor. The development of the pub, once called the Railway Hotel, came despite a long-running campaign by locals who wanted to take ownership from Lambeth council and run it as a community space. Residents have until December 3 to give their comments on the scheme, and Lambeth council are set to make a decision over the change of land use to retail by January 7. For more detail and reaction visit www.brixtonblog.com
Stars are born
These angelic youngsters, from Corpus Christi school, Trent Road, are among the Brixton schoolchildren getting ready for the Christmas play season. Read more inside our bumper festive edition!