Protest at plan to 'destroy the heart' of Chinatown

A major new development in Soho's Chinatown could destroy the character of the area and harm small businesses, it was claimed today.

The landmark pagoda could be relocated and some small firms face having their rents doubled, it is feared.

Development company Rosewheel is accused of failing to consult local businesses and community leaders over plans for the Newport Sandringham building in the heart of Chinatown.

A protest meeting has been called for Wednesday at which the plans will be discussed.

Jabez Lam of Min Quan, the group organising the meeting, said: "Chinatown is not just a business community, it is the centre of identity for the Chinese community in England.

"People are very, very angry. If this plan goes ahead within a few years we will have lost a unique community in London.

"It is the tenants who built Chinatown up. Now developers see it's a prosperous area and they want to come in and grab the fruits."

Rosewheel served tenants with notices to quit this year and some have reluctantly accepted compensation. Chinatown emerged as a distinct area in the Fifties following the arrival of a wave of immigrants from Hong Kong. It has since become a thriving community and tourist attraction in its own right.

Its success has, in recent years, begun to cause problems as chain bars and shops have sought to get in on the act.

A report released by Westminster council last year revealed: "Many local businesses that contribute vastly to Chinatown's colourful character face a future imperilled by competing megabars, clubs and coffee chains with no traditional Chinese attributes."

In the face of the proposals the council has repeated its support for the community, saying it was "resolute" in its determination to protect it.

Rosewheel's managing director, Richard Bowen, said: "Hopefully concerns will be put to rest when people see what our overall plans are. We want to maintain the atmosphere of Chinatown. We are looking to create a new courtyard for shows and Chinese festivals. We want to relocate the pagoda into the heart of our scheme."