Soaring rents are forcing us out, say Brixton market traders

Independent shops in Brixton market are at risk of being forced to shut as rents soar by up to almost a quarter, traders warned today.

Established operators in the Brixton Village and Market Row areas, which have become a trendy hub for foodies, fear small businesses could be replaced by big chains — and claim landlords are too focused on maximising profits.

A number of retailers say they have been handed new contracts without warning — including rent rises of up to 22 per cent, with payments backdated to August.

It is also understood that newer traders, many of whom have spent tens of thousands of pounds on fit-outs and staff, are being made to sign contracts that can see them locked out instantly — in the style of those used for barrow traders in the Fifties.

The area has seen a huge rise in footfall since Space Makers Agency transformed Brixton Village, also known as Granville Arcade, by encouraging new businesses in 2009. Since then opening hours have increased and visitors have soared — but some traders say rent rises could drive smaller businesses out.

Saja Shaheen, whose family opened Nour Cash & Carry in the market 12 years ago, said she has enlisted solicitors to negotiate with market managers over the 22 per cent rent increase starting in May. She said: “It was a shock. In the past we’ve taken a back seat with everything but this time we’ve gone to our solicitors and we’re trying to negotiate — but they’re not having it.

“I think it’s part of a wider campaign to change the demographic of Brixton, trying to push out the older community like us who’ve been there for years and effectively made Brixton what it is. I wouldn’t be surprised if they brought in a Starbucks or a Pret.”

Rosie Lovell, who opened Rosie’s deli cafe on Market Row in 2004, said she was handed a new licence and rent rise of 14 per cent without warning.

She said: “It’s just the same all over Brixton, a general cleanse. Everyone who comes in thinks they’re going to be the last ones and pay higher rent and then they get their nose put out when rents go up as the next layer of people come in.

“You can’t control gentrification, it’s like a floodgate situation. If they can get a Starbucks in here they will. They don’t care about the atmosphere of the market.”