A new regeneration project is happening in Brixton, South London. Network Rail is planning to renovate the railway arches in order to enhance the area’s appeal, but this could have a negative effect on local businesses.

Over the past few years, gentrification has become an important topic of debate in Brixton. The railway arches next to the Brixton underground station have been home to small locally-run businesses, some of which have been around for decades.

Recently, however, as the area has become a “trendier” place to live, with the low rent and convenient location, and more people have started moving in and started redeveloping. Because of this, rent prices have risen and a lot of businesses and shops are being forced to close down.

Brixton Railway Arches (mondomulia.com)

Locals in the area have expressed their discontent: “It’s just annoying because there have been people who have been working places for many years and I know I’ve lived here for most of my life and I’ve been going to the same places and the same shops and everything and it’s upsetting that those places might be gone. I think that’s why people are getting pissed.” (Jason, 36)

The businesses under the railway have all been contacted by Network Rail and have been told that they will need to clear out of their plots while the construction is ensuing. The issue is that many of the businesses won’t have anywhere else to go, and might be forced to close permanently. Even if this weren’t the case, after the arches have been reconstructed, the rent will increase significantly, and people might not be able to afford staying their anymore.

“Making old things new isn’t always a good thing… People forget that a lot of people have been here a long time and don’t want things to change just because new people come. While it’s good that the area is becoming a safer place to live, it’s important to preserve the heritage of the people here.” (Rob, 51)

People from the area have created petitions in the hopes that it will halt the plans to redevelop the Brixton arches. They are saying they don’t want the small businesses to be replaced by chains and that Network Rail should provide the current businesses with some sort of financial support package to keep them going while they are temporarily closed down.

Residents and business owners are concerned about the surge in rent, which is predicted to increase by around 300%. Many people are also angry because they feel that it is unfair not to consult the local community even though they are the ones who will be directly affected.

The local’s main concerns, it seems, are that people and businesses that have been in Brixton for many years will be shut down and the arches that Brixton has become famous for will no longer be used to preserve the heritage of the area.

If you are interested in getting involved, check out http://savebrixtonarches.com/.