After a prolonged and formidable fight, the remaining traders in the Brixton arches will be moving out this Saturday. This will mark the end of the Save Brixton Arches campaign who battled so hard to let the traders remain in business.
The campaign group has now issued its final statement, which we’ve reproduced in full below:
Save Brixton Arches: “On Saturday 7th April the remaining tenants at the Brixton Arches will close their shutters for the final time. With this the Save Brixton Arches campaign will also come to its end.
For over three years we have fought to prevent the eviction of over 30 tenants and traders at the Brixton Arches. Contrary to what some have been led to believe, this community never did oppose the refurbishment of the Arches.
We have been opposed only to Network Rails’ termination of leases, enabling a 300% rent increase; forcing small family businesses from their premises and essentially ending their livelihoods. To be clear, tenants and traders had never at any stage resisted this redevelopment; they asked only to be a meaningful part of the process and have a place in the final outcome. Tragically, this was never granted to them.
Due to the sensitive nature of legal proceedings, we are in a position only to share this confirmation that the three remaining tenants will trade for the last time on 7th April and will not be returning to the Arches. At the beginning of this process Network Rail claimed that 75% of tenants would return to the Arches post-development.
This number was later dropped to 50%. The fact remains that there were 39 original premises (26 arches and 13 kiosks) and only 9 tenants are said to be returning. The devastation that these evictions have caused to such an important part of of Brixtons’ community, culture and heritage can not be overstated.
We are all disappointed with the outcome, but not particularly surprised. In the end, Network Rails’ financial and political power was always likely to translate to legal power. But on reflection, their victory seems pretty empty. A multi-billion pound organisation picked a fight with independent family businesses. They owned the ring. The referee was their mate.
Their gloves were lined with gold. The audience boo’d and heckled them. Tenants walked away from the fight with their heads high, do you think staff at Network Rail and Lambeth Council left feeling the same?
Though we were not successful in our aims, it should be noted that the efforts of the community were certainly not in vain. We secured very real victories, both directly and indirectly:
1. Network Rail wanted all tenants and traders gone and initially gave them no right to return. But now, because of our opposition, some will return (despite increased rents)
2. Network Rail wanted to put the rent straight up by 300%, but it will now be stepped over a 7 year period
3. Tenants who were initially offered statutory compensation only, later went on to receive additional discretionary compensation
4. Network Rail wanted tenants and traders out within months of February 2015. But for our resistance tenants were able to trade for many months longer and the last three continued trading until now, three years later.
We have only been involved in this fight as campaigners. It is the tenants and traders who have lived and fought this every day. Their willingness to stand up for what is right has inspired thousands of people in ways they will perhaps never know.
Their fight has surely done their families and staff proud and has certainly done Brixton a great service. The significance of their fight in Brixtons’ history cannot be overstated. Their battle will be talked about for decades to come.
Tenants, traders and campaign members wish to thank the Brixton community sincerely for your support over the past three years. Your love and solidarity made all the difference.
Join us for a final farewell arts activity this Saturday 7th April. We will be outside Budget Carpets on Atlantic Road. Please feel welcome to come anytime between 1-5pm.
Thank you Brixton.
Forward.
The Save Brixton Arches Campaign”
Brixton Arches background & resources:
Read the latest news and join the big discussion on the urban75 forums (over 1,500 posts)
More info:
The vote to redevelop Brixton Arches: smear campaigns, doublethink and foregone decisions
Brixton’s A&C Deli: the inside story of a small business destroyed by gentrification, Network Rail & Lambeth Council.
About the Save Brixton Arches campaign:
Save Brixton Arches official website
Twitter: #savebrixtonarches