Local traders have launched a petition against the upcoming redevelopment of Brixton’s railway arches. The move comes after Network Rail recently contacted the 18 businesses operating along the stretch between Atlantic Road, Brixton Station Road and Pope’s Road to inform them of the plans and to request that they make preparations to vacate their plots for the duration of the works.
However, as the transformation project is expected to take around a year to complete, many of the traders claim this will destroy their livelihoods – especially as they have, at this point, received no guarantees that they will be able to move back upon completion.
Fishmonger LS Mash & Sons is one of the businesses set to be affected by the redevelopment which owner Lorne Mash claims to be a direct attack upon local independent businesses. The business has been operating at its Atlantic Road plot since 1932.
Mr Mash says; “I’m a bit devastated by it all. You can’t just move premises and start a business – people come to us, we don’t tout the business, we’ve earned our stripes.
“Brixton’s on a change and we feel as independent traders we’re being squeezed out.”
The change.org petition calling for Network Rail to cease preparations for the redevelopment has gained a huge amount of local support, with almost 14,000 signatories to date. Many of those who have signed have expressed a concern that the redevelopment is simply a way for Network Rail to increase rental costs in the plots underneath the railway arches and replace independent businesses with high street retailers where the increases cannot be met.
Should Network Rail be granted planning permission for the redevelopment, traders will be given a period of six months to vacate their plots before work begins at the site. A spokesman claims that this, along with additional support provided by the company, will ensure traders are able to return to the redeveloped site the following year.
He says; “Each of the tenants and leaseholders in these arches is being contacted to discuss the plans and how individual businesses will be affected.
“Tenants will need to vacate the arches later this year and Network Rail is advising them early to allow time to plan for the temporary closure of the arches for the refurbishment works – tenants will be supported by Network Rail with a package of financial and professional support including assistance to find relocation premises.
“It’s important to add that we are not looking to turn the arches into a clone-town and we are aware of our responsibilities not just to our tenants but also the rest of Brixton to get this right.”
