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

[editor]

the thing is, it's in property owner and landlords' interests that interesting lively areas are not turned into all looking like fucking bond street.

It's in property owner and landlords' interests that as much money is made as possible from this. That's how they work.

 

[leanderman]

It's in property owner and landlords' interests that as much money is made as possible from this. That's how they work.

Which, in this case, is state-owned Network Rail.

So the extra profits from this expected (and wholly unfair) rent hike should go into the rail network.

If anything is left after the executives have taken their six-figure salaries, bonuses, entitlements and pensions.

 

[editor]

Which, in this case, is state-owned Network Rail.

So the extra profits from this expected (and wholly unfair) rent hike should go into the rail network.

If anything is left after the executives have taken their six-figure salaries, bonuses, entitlements and pensions.

Don't get me started.....!!

 

[leanderman]

Don't get me started.....!!

Why? Don't you have an £800,000 holiday home in Cornwall?

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/fatcat-network-rail-boss-laughed-4890573

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...-675k-year-boss-holiday-cottage-Cornwall.html

 

[SpamMisery]

I like Bond Street

But strictly speaking, they are improving Brixton property. What they're not improving is the lives of those people who currently rent those properties

 

[editor]

*Sorry, but I made a catastrophic boo-boo when moving the St Ives posts out of this thread and, err, lost them. Apologies, to all.

 

[ddraig]

it was only a dig at 'fat cat union bosses' anyway

 

[leanderman]

it was only a dig at 'fat cat union bosses' anyway

Not 'union'.

 

[ddraig]

ah! apols then

 

[Dexter Deadwood]

Omnis - Open Maybe Nothing In Stock.

 

[Dexter Deadwood]

 

[Dil Green]

Re: the discussion a few pages back about types of action, it seems to me that the idea of a close-down is sort of backwards. We want the shops to stay open. The shops want to stay open. Shops that are closed are ... not very interesting, or active, or ... anything. And they don't earn any money.
I always like actions which are about more life, not less.
I think it would be great if all the shops stayed open longer - say on a Friday night - turn it into a party - do your Saturday shopping on a Friday night! We could do it once a month!

 

[editor]

Re: the discussion a few pages back about types of action, it seems to me that the idea of a close-down is sort of backwards. We want the shops to stay open. The shops want to stay open. Shops that are closed are ... not very interesting, or active, or ... anything. And they don't earn any money.
I always like actions which are about more life, not less.
I think it would be great if all the shops stayed open longer - say on a Friday night - turn it into a party - do your Saturday shopping on a Friday night! We could do it once a month!

The point was that a one hour shutdown would provide a massive photo op, and with (hopefully) a large chunk of supporting shops shut in the area there would be a lot more people likely to assemble for a big community demo.

A row of open shops open as usual doesn't look too eye catching on the news or send out much of a message. A bustling market brought to a standstill for an hour accompanied by a large demo and show of community solidarity does.

 

[blameless77]

Yep - they are a proper running shop. Pretty well priced too. Sponsor the Parkrun. Let you try shoes for a couple of weeks and then return them if you are unhappy!
One of our up and coming marathon runners used to (might still do) work there - his name eludes me just now.

ETA gaijingirl - Frank something. Decent shop but not much good for running. Great for boxing stuff and weights, etc..

And stunning for pool players

 

[Dexter Deadwood]

It looks like the old Atlantic Bar is going ahead with its refurbishment, which seems odd in the circumstances. the new owners are Antic iirc.

Just had a chat with one of the traders due for eviction and i commented that the pawnbrokers don't have an anti eviction poster in the window and he told me "that's because they are not going anywhere."
Along with the Atlantic Bar refurbishment something is not right.

 

[:-D]

we have a limited number of Posters left at the deli. If you know anyone who might like one please come by and pick one up.

 

[:-D]

Oh! and there are extre paper copies of the petition too

 

[Gramsci]

Lastest news from Cllr Hopkins posted on the Future Brixton website.

There’s been considerable progress around many of the issues on and Network Rail have undertaken personal visits to each of the businesses to see what their needs are and how they can be accommodated.

The right to return is now a firm commitment for those businesses who want to come back which is a really important offer that I have been lobbying for from day one. However the terms under which they can come back is unclear at the moment. The phrase ‘affordable rent’ has been used by Network Rail, again a positive step, but there is no exact figure which makes it very difficult for the Council or the businesses themselves to judge whether it is fair.

Furthermore a number of the businesses were concerned that this subsidised rent will only last for 9 years, and whilst they accept that they will pay more once they move back, it is unclear whether businesses will pick up significantly enough to cover market rent in the future. The Future Brixton programme which will see more people shopping in Brixton should help traders to do more business but there is a question about whether that will happen in time.

At the moment Network Rail are working out how much the refurbishment and structural work will cost, and this will have implications on how much rent they need in order to pay for the work. Again it is helpful that they are now talking about affordable rent for some businesses at some locations and full blown market rent in other units. However at the moment there is no detail on how much this is. Businesses and the Brixton community need clarity. Hopefully the meeting I am hosting with businesses and Network Rail tomorrow can provide that.

What I do not understand about Hopkins statement is why "affordable" rent is said to be "subsidised" rent?

These arches have been occupied for many years without vacancies. The shopkeepers having been paying Network Rail for them without , from what the traders say, much if any input of money from NR for upkeep. Surely as a landlord after all these years NR should not hike up rents on the dubious reasoning that its just paid out to refurbish arches. It should have been doing this anyway over the years as ongoing maintenance.

The other thing that needs questioning is is this work really necessary? Or is it really just an excuse to get existing business out.One thing shopkeepers could do is get Cllr Hopkins to insist that shopkeepers get to see the figures and possibly get there own surveyor to look over what needs doing and cost. Its what Cressingham Gardens did and found Lambeths figures to refurbish estate where way to high.

I fail to see why all the arches have to be emptied out. This repair/ refurbishment ( if really necessary) could be do gradually.

To add: Have Network Rail actually asked the existing shopkeepers what they would like to be done re upkeep of the arches? I doubt it.

I also do not understand why NR say they will be putting in a planning application. If this is just refurbishment and repairs then why do they need a planning permission unless there plans are more than just straightforward repairs?

A local businessman ( not in these arches but used to have an arch elsewhere) told me the clause in the lease that gives NR right to terminate a lease was really about when it was necessary to do works on railway line and structural works to make railway safe. It was not supposed to be used to get existing business out to tart up the arches to be relet.

:-D can u let us know what happens at the meeting?

 

[editor]

Update:
Brixton traders set to boycott meeting in protest at Lambeth Council’s unclear role in arch redevelopment

 

[Gramsci]

Update:
Brixton traders set to boycott meeting in protest at Lambeth Council’s unclear role in arch redevelopment

That is a most interesting read.

I think the traders are spot on in there analysis.

“We want to see clear daylight between Network’s Rail’s plans and Lambeth Council’s involvement,” said the traders’ rep,”but if Lambeth won’t let us ask those questions directly, then there is no point attending tonight’s meeting.”

Of course a cynic like me might think that Lambeth Council want to go through the motions of opposing Network Rail but in the end they will allow NR to shaft the small traders. Network Rail are dangling big bucks in front of Lambeth "Labour" Council. In polite society called "inward investment".

I am also irritated at this:

The meeting was originally arranged to be at the Town Hall, with traders and their customers looking forward to robustly questioning Lambeth about their role in the major refurbishment that would see businesses evicted from their premises for a year or longer.

Many traders harbour fears that once the controversial redevelopment is complete they will not be able to afford to return.

Last week, Jack Hopkins decided to change the venue to the Brixton Rec and effectively turn it into a closed meeting, with only two representatives from each leasehold business allowed to attend (with many of the arches being sublet, this would exclude many of the affected businesses, including some of the cafes on Station Road).

In a move that baffled some traders, Brixton Bid were also invited to the party, with their role in this remaining somewhat cloudy.

So as a customer and resident I am excluded by Cllr Hopkins. You would have thought after him mouthing off about residents not engaging he would have had an open meeting.

Could it be the Cllr Jack is managing dissent rather enabling it to have a voice?

What is Brixton BID up to?

 

[editor]

What is Brixton BID up to?

You're not the only one to ask that. tompound was going to go as one of the trader's reps but was turned away at the door.

 

[Gramsci]

You're not the only one to ask that. tompound was going to go as one of the trader's reps but was turned away at the door.

Its outrageous that tompound was turned away.

If BID are invited then Brixton Pound should be.

 

[editor]

Its outrageous that tompound was turned away.

If BID are invited then Brixton Pound should be.

I was set to go too.

 

[Gramsci]

I was set to go too.

And I am sure the traders would have been happy with that.

My suspicious mind thinks that Cllr Jack and the Labour Council want this all now to be dealt with behind closed doors with as little public involvement as possible.

 

[Manter]

You're not the only one to ask that. tompound was going to go as one of the trader's reps but was turned away at the door.

What was their justification for turning him away? That's pretty shocking

 

[Brixton Hatter]

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?

No, because they're already paying £90k-£100k/year in rent iirc, which is well within Network Rail's 'sphere of ambition'.

 

[Brixton Hatter]

It's in property owner and landlords' interests that as much money is made as possible from this. That's how they work.

It's a classic example of anomoly at the heart of Government, where commercial interests trump the public interest. One part of the Government gives it large about supporting jobs, growth and small businesses, whereas another part of Government (Network Rail/DfT) actively destroys these very same things by hiking rents and evicting small businesses.

 

[Gramsci]

It's a classic example of anomoly at the heart of Government, where commercial interests trump the public interest. One part of the Government gives it large about supporting jobs, growth and small businesses, whereas another part of Government (Network Rail/DfT) actively destroys these very same things by hiking rents and evicting small businesses.

And its the same with Lambeth Labours "Cooperative Council".

Started off with consultation meetings on the future of this part of Brixton. With supposedly Network Rail, Lambeth Council , small business and local residents and groups "co-producing" a plan for Central Brixton. With Cllr Jack telling us residents to get off our arses and go to consultation meetings or be left out.

Now its closed meetings with people being turned away. Except those invited by Cllr Jack like Brixton BID.

Its so crap.

 

[Brixton Hatter]

And its the same with Lambeth Labours "Cooperative Council".

Started off with consultation meetings on the future of this part of Brixton. With supposedly Network Rail, Lambeth Council , small business and local residents and groups "co-producing" a plan for Central Brixton. With Cllr Jack telling us residents to get off our arses and go to consultation meetings or be left out.

Now its closed meetings with people being turned away. Except those invited by Cllr Jack like Brixton BID.

Its so crap.

Talk the talk but can't walk the walk.

The 'Cooperative' Council is just words.

 

[Baron]

We were told as there is a fear of safety for the trains so checking the arches is a must. They said this can only be done by removing everything in the arches and checking the brickwork. I wonder if M&S will be asked to vacate for a year and have their lease terminated. As they are only over the road, using they same row of arches as us?????