Traders win battle to save Brixton Market

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."