The shops situated under the railway arches in Brixton station are being faced with eviction.
The historic arches, on Atlantic Road, are being refurbished by Network Rail, and traders have been given three months to vacate their premises.
The evictions will effect approximately 25 different shops in the area and there has been a widely promoted campaign to prevent this from happening.
Many local shop owners and traders have vocalised their uncertainty over the future of their businesses. Subran, 32, working at Denmay Fabrics stated that: “We’re very unsure because they [Network Rail] haven’t come out with figures or anything, it’s a bit of a mess. Without figures we can’t make a plan.”
Regina, 49, works at a local religious bookstore on Brixton Station Road with her husband. She stated that the couple “don’t have fixed plans yet”, but they are getting used to the situation.
Johannes, 53, her husband, continued and highlighted concerns over the intention that Network Rail has for the spaces. “It is important for us for people to realise the history between us and Network Rail before is that the interior of the property is, by the lease, our responsibility to maintain.” He stated, “So based on our history and experience, we never expected them to come and say they’re refurbishing.”
He concluded that it is “very obvious that Network Rail want to make more money out of these properties”.
The refurbishment plans have been opposed by many of the local residents.
Other local traders have been outraged and confused by the prospect of the evictions. Steve, 47, works on a fruit stall that has been on Pole’s Road for 50 years, stated: “The council are trying to get all the local people out and fill it with more upper class people. Them down there [on Atlantic Road] have been there for years, they might be paying £400 in rent, and that’ll go up to £1000, just to kick them out.”
Belle, 57, owner of A&C Continental Deli situated on Atlantic Road, stated she was “overwhelmed by the support”. She described how the petition had been working: “We have over 20,000 signatures, and have been inundated with people from designing our posters, to local politicians, local councillors, people with legal responsibilities. We’re drawing on everything in Brixton.”
