Out with the Old... Network Rail tell businesses to vacate Atlantic Road arches

[editor]

Brixton BID's somewhat belated response:

The board members of the Brixton BID are very concerned about the fate of businesses that are reported to imminently be evicted from Network Rail arches on Atlantic Road and Brixton Station Road.

We share the common view that, as more national brands come into the town centre, there must always be a place for the independents. In this respect, Network Rail - as a major landowner in the town centre - has a key role to play.

If no right of first refusal is given to these businesses on the new tenancies, we will be faced with the very real risk of losing a number of Brixton’s long-serving and diverse businesses. Alongside all the new investment that is coming to the town centre a main priority of the BID is to ensure that we maintain the diversity which is at the heart of Brixton’s unique and successful culture.

The package of compensation that Network Rail are reported to have offered is not enough to compensate for the short notice that has been given for them to relocate. The timescale for eviction is also unrealistic, especially if businesses plan to stay in Brixton, as we hope they will. On behalf of businesses we have arranged to meet with Network Rail to strenuously urge them to reconsider their position.

 

[Mrs Redboots]

Just wondering whether Costa Coffee, nestled under the arches on Brixton Road, has also been given notice that they will be given notice to quit?

 

[Manter]

BRUG have changed their profile pic to a save our shops/stop network rail pic.... I can't get it to copy on here though

 

[Dexter Deadwood]

BRUG have changed their profile pic to a save our shops/stop network rail pic.... I can't get it to copy on here though

 

[Dexter Deadwood]

Local resident Fayon Cottrell interviews Brixton traders about their concerns of relocation, eviction, the effects on their livelihoods and the future of Brixton community shopping.

 

[editor]

The traders are uniting under the banner of Brixton Community Unite.

Brixton Community United – traders in Brixton Station Rd and Atlantic Rd unite to fight Network Rail’s proposals

 

[thriller]

great little video.

 

[:-D]

I think they're on the right side of the tracks.

 

[Gramsci]

I don't think the sentiment here is that ALL existing businesses/uses/character should be preserved in aspic. It is that businesses that want to stay and are prepared to make an effort to stay deserve some support in convincing Network Rail to adopt a more flexible, less rapacious approach.
I can't imagine payday loans businesses being the sort of organisations that would stay with long-drawn out negotiations, so any sort of re-negotiation is likely to sort the wheat from the chaff. Although, as someone above points out, NR are unlikely to turn their noses up at payday loans companies when re-letting empty units.

I support the threatened shopkeepers as a whole.

To argue that those who "make an effort" ( who is going to adjudicate this?) is divisive.

I am not going to make value judgements on which shopkeeper is worthy of my support.

The enemy is Network Rail. They do not have to do this.

 

[:-D]

BRUG have changed their profile pic to a save our shops/stop network rail pic.... I can't get it to copy on here though

Posters will be going up soon. I'll put up an image up as soon as its available

 

[Gramsci]

In these situations, having a positive and practical alternative can help - rather than coming across as nay-sayers / Luddites.

Accepting the reality that change is coming, and that NR are a commercially driven organisation (whatever I might think about that ideologically or morally), if I were an existing leaseholder wanting to ensure business continuity, it would seem that a few relatively simple moves might make things better:

I am not a Luddite.

I attended all the consultation meetings on the Brixton Central Masterplan. I gave up my free time to make sure I took part in supposedly constructive discussions about the future of this part of Brixton.

Its not me thats the wrecker. Its Network Rail who decided to tear up the ongoing discussions on this part of Brixton and unilaterally decide to kick out existing business.

What are you saying. That people like me didnt try hard enough?

And btw way you are saying we must suspend moral judgements on Network Rail but not on the small business owner? As that is what it sounds like.

 

[Gramsci]

I agree, any campaign that focuses soley on tenants rights is doomed. The fact is, there is huge concern about the process of gentrification and the politics of this decision should be opposed in that context.

The question the whole community of Brixton is asking is ' improving for who ?" I know this is something Rashid Nix Green Party Prospective Parliamentary Candidate would been keen on supporting.

Thanks Lee on this we agree.

I know Rashid has been down to talk to the shopkeepers. He also has a long connection with Brixton and his heart is in the right place.

 

[Puddy_Tat]

bit in tonight's evening standard here

bit better than their usual "this area is much better now the council estate has been bulldozed and all the plebs pushed out" sort of bollocks in the property section

(caution - fuckwit comments may be bad for the blood pressure)

 

[Gramsci]

Jack Hopkins statement:



http://futurebrixton.org/brixtoncentral/cllr-jack-hopkins-on-supporting-brixton-station-road/

To quote:

It is important to stress that while the council has influence, it has little direct power over what is fundamentally a matter between landlord and tenants but I am confident that by working together we can get a positive deal for Brixton and its businesses. As Brixton continues to get better the Council and the business community is working to ensure that development opens opportunities for local start ups and local businesses, not seeing the character ebb away. Local people through the Future Brixton masterplan have said they want to keep the mix of big chains like M&S, H&M and TKMax as well as independent businesses. We are listening and will always act in line with our manifesto commitment, “Ambitious for everyone, Fairness for All.”

In the meantime I will continue to support the businesses and update the community on progress.

"Ambitious for everyone, Fairness for All"

As was pointed out to me today the Council does have influence.

The Brixton Central Masterplan if agreed ( And I notice he says nothing of the consultations that Network Rail took part in and then tore up) would mean that Network Rail would need a favourable response from the Council in submitting plans for the other land it owns on that site.

The Council has leverage on this. It could play hard ball when NR tries to develop its other land in central Brixton with controversial high rise blocks of mixed use housing / retail.

My concern is that the Council is so desperate for "inward investment" from a large landowner/ developer ( for that is what NR is) that it will fudge a supposedly face saving deal to get this. Fuck the existing small business.

I have told a shopkeeper. Never trust the Council.

The Cllrs represent the community not Network Rail. At the very least Cllr Hopkins could have said that NRs actions are out of order.

 

[Gramsci]

bit in tonight's evening standard here

bit better than their usual "this area is much better now the council estate has been bulldozed and all the plebs pushed out" sort of bollocks in the property section

Its Miranda Bryant who wrote the piece. She is ok.

I have read a lot of articles about this now. Still moves me to hear the shopkeepers whose whole lives are being turned upside down by this action by Network Rail. For these shopkeepers its more than just a job.

And what does Cllr Jack Hopkins say?

"The plans are ultimately a matter between tenant and landlord, however we are pushing Network Rail to provide a comprehensive support package and will be holding a meeting with the existing business tenants before the end of the month to discuss the issue.”

Its a bit late and I am a bit tired. But is that all he can say? Its feeble.

 

[Gramsci]

If you can, it would be great to have a report to share on Buzz.

It was mainly about the Culture2020 consultation. Which affects libraries, parks and leisure centres.

Impression I got is the the Council is bringing in big government imposed cuts. That its panicking a bit in the face of these cuts. The Council thinks services can be run by volunteers to save money.

Its all rather depressing. In the face of this I can see why Council would seek to cut a deal with NR. Not that I agree with it. Brixton and Lambeth residents are facing a tough future. The only winners will be the big companies and land/ property owners like NR.

 

[Winot]

Hmmm... used against them in what forum? After the dust has settled, as long as they have obeyed the letter of the law (which is entirely stacked in their favour), who will be interested in a discussion of the morality of a faceless bureaucratic entity that has no local presence?
That is the secret of PR - make nice sounds now that will simply be superseded by the real actions.

I take your point. However, one way this could play out is that NR get nervous about future rental income if (a) they do anything too outrageous and (b) locals take that out on future tenants. So what they say now does have an impact.

 

[Winot]

"Ambitious for everyone, Fairness for All"

"Grammar for nobody"

 

[CH1]

I take your point. However, one way this could play out is that NR get nervous about future rental income if (a) they do anything too outrageous and (b) locals take that out on future tenants. So what they say now does have an impact.

I don't think they should be nervous for their rent income because there might be some sort of boycott - more that by rendering everything anodyne and soulless they will squeeze the remaining pips out of Brixton, after which it will become as desirable as Catford.

 

[Winot]

I don't think they should be nervous for their rent income because there might be some sort of boycott - more that by rendering everything anodyne and soulless they will squeeze the remaining pips out of Brixton, after which it will become as desirable as Catford.

Agree on the "should" but, as someone once said, nobody ever lost money underestimating the taste of the public.

 

[SpamMisery]

Also, if everyone's 'worst fears' are correct, the people willing to boycott the shops (if that's what was meant) are probably not the expected customer base of the new shop owners

 

[editor]

I don't think they should be nervous for their rent income because there might be some sort of boycott - more that by rendering everything anodyne and soulless they will squeeze the remaining pips out of Brixton, after which it will become as desirable as Catford.

Judging by the extremely limited support given by the community to the Ritzy boycott, I don't imagine any boycott of new shops would have any noticeable impact.

 

[DJWrongspeed]

Signed the petition. Is Network rail going for some grand announcement with the intention of some more limited refurb after everyone protests?

 

[polan]

How about contacting Tessa Jowell - she is standing for Mayor & perhaps could do something to help, she is usually quite good on local matters.

 

[Eleonora]

This is so awful but good to see it discussed in the media so much! Definitely up for joining any initiative in support of local businesses in the arches....

 

[:-D]

Had a meeting with Network Rail this morning. A much different atmosphere than the first encounter.

Lots of talk of 'misunderstandings' & ' never wishing to give the impression that...'

After an outpouring of honest and frank expression on our part and a pledge to convey it undiluted to HQ, the effect of ALL our combined indignation has caused a very early shift in their position. Nothing in writing but a willingness to start a process to resolve the situation in tandem with tenants. That'll do for now
Posters are up, (I'm having trouble uploading on my phone, I'll have to wait until I get home to do it )

A really big thanks to Rachael at The Big Brush for her energy and amazing turnaround time. A superwoman.

 

[Dexter Deadwood]

How about contacting Tessa Jowell - she is standing for Mayor & perhaps could do something to help, she is usually quite good on local matters.

Never known her to trouble herself over Brixton and frankly a disgraceful MP.

 

[Gramsci]

Never known her to trouble herself over Brixton and frankly a disgraceful MP.

Now she is retiring I can say she is useless. Unlike Kate Hoey who takes a personal interest in constituency affairs.

 

[Gramsci]

Brixton Blog report Tessa replacement candidate for the seat Helen Hayes visit to see the shopkeepers.

Her comments were much more critical of Network Rail than Nu Labour Cllr Hopkins.

Hayes said what was clear from meeting the Brixton businesses this morning was that Network Rail has for many years been an absentee landlord. “They told me there have been many times where there has been maintenance issues, vermin issues or leaks and Network Rail hasn’t acted responsibly.”

“But now commercial rents have been increasing in Brixton town centre, they’re suddenly interested in their property there.”

If these businesses were replaced with chains able to afford the hiked up rents it would “kill the town centre. Brixton is such a special place because of its diversity.”

“There’s been a lot of change recently but some of the most valuable aspects of Brixton are the ones that have been there the longest and the deli, the hardware shop and the fishmongers in the arches are part of that.”

“I am going to be doing everything I can to support them.”

 

[Gramsci]

I have been asked about the planning application that Network Rail will put in. I did not understand that but NR have told Blog this:

Network Rail said: “We will be keeping our tenants informed throughout the process and we will not be giving them their six-months notice until we have planning permission and a concrete start-date. Should planning permission be granted, we would expect that to be around late summer. Work is not expected to start before at least January 2016.

They must be working on application now. When it comes out its it need to be looked at closely to see how it can be opposed. Though opposition would need to be about planning issues.

Another issue is that NR say they will put in millions. What exactly were they doing to maintain arches previously? They were getting income from them.