In the summer of June 2015, developer Delancey proposed plans to redevelop the Elephant and Castle Shopping centre; it is about to secure a redevelopment worth £80 million.
The move is part of the wider re-development of the area, with work already underway on the roads and landscape, and the plans include a new campus for London College of Communication.
Jamie Ritblat, on behalf of Delancey and APG said: “It is our ambition to build upon the vibrant culture of the area and excellent Zone One transport links to create a thriving new destination for London and the local community – complete with world-class educational and cultural facilities, increased residential provision and an improved retail offer”.
Many existing traders say they will be affected by the plans, as they will be forced to move elsewhere.
Artefact has been to the shopping centre to hear the traders’ thoughts on the council’s proposed deal.
Shaf, a trader, who did not want to give his surname said: “All the traders outside on the market will have nowhere else to go. They’ll have to find elsewhere to go. There will be no business for us. Even the people inside, I don’t think they’ll get any place [elsewhere]. The council won’t be giving them a place that’s for sure”.
He went on to say “It’s sad because I’ve been here for 18 or 19 years. I am looking for elsewhere but it’s very difficult to find a place elsewhere”.
However, other traders did not seem to be too worried about the changes the council is proposing regarding the shopping centre.
Joy, owner of Joy’s Juice Bar told Artefact, “I’m sure whatever they do will be for the best, not only for the market traders and the shoppers but it will be best for all customers. So at the end of the day whatever becomes of the market I’ll just go with the flow, because life goes on”.
Featured Image by Hani Richter