27 independent traders win High Court reprieve as offshore landlord plans Aldi for Brixton Plaza

Eviction of 27 independent businesses based in Brixton shopping centre prevented by High Court injunction following protest on Monday.
On 6 March, Lambeth Council granted consent for the refurbishment of Brixton Plaza, a shopping centre on Brixton Road.

Shortly after, the owner, Governside Limited, an overseas entity, served eviction notices to tenants, giving them four weeks to vacate their units.

Brixton Plaza, like Brixton Mall and SW9 Plaza, is situated in a locally listed, former department store on Brixton Road, built in the 1920’s. The intimate shopping arcades have long been inhabited by independent restaurants, cafes, hair salons, barbers and clothing retailers run by ethnically diverse owners.

Around 100 people gathered on Monday to condemn the treatment faced by the businesses before marching on Lambeth Town Hall. The protest was organised alongside traders by Ruby Bukhari and Joanne Scott, independent candidates running under the Shake It Up umbrella in the upcoming local elections in Lambeth. Bukhari wrote, “We will not stay silent. We will stand with our local businesses. We will fight for the justice they deserve.”

On 8 April, the day the landlord warned water and electric would be turned off, a group of 27 traders, represented by human rights lawyer Jacqueline McKenzie of law firm Leigh Day, were granted an injunction in the High Court. Leigh Day said:

“The High Court has ordered that the traders must not be evicted or prevented from trading unless and until the landlord Brixton Plaza Management and Governside Limited, obtains lawful authority, including a court order.” – Jacqueline McKenzie, Leigh Day

“This is what happens when a community stands strong, speaks up, and refuses to be ignored. Together, we made our voices heard – and it mattered.” – Ruby Bukhari, Shake it Up.

She further applauded Jacqueline McKenzie, “It’s people like this – community leaders who fight for us – that remind us we can fight for our spaces, our voices, and our future.”

Throughout the last month, traders have voiced shock and sadness at the short notice of their eviction and the poor communication they feel they received. Cathe Figueiredo, who owns the Afro-Brazilian restaurant, Delicathe Gourmet, alongside her brother Deri, claims the stress resulted in the loss of her five-month pregnancy. “It’s so hard for me because it’s my dream, it’s my life, and I lost my daughter,” said Figueiredo to the crowd gathered on Monday.

James Vasco was the owner of a barber shop who opened his business only one month ago, stating that the abrupt termination of his tenancy, and resultant loss of significant investment, was not forewarned by the building manager. Speaking to Vittles Magazine, Vasco said, “We’re all small businesses. Something like this can destroy people.”

Another trader claims to have invested over £50,000 into her space, as well as for improvements to make the building safe and habitable. She said, “I’m so surprised that they can give us one month notice. I think that is not enough for us […] to find a shop, to carry our loads. […] So now, I don’t know what to do.”

The Planning and Heritage Statement that accompanied the planning application reads, “[The] development, in the guise of regeneration, must be undertaken with care to prevent the area becoming ‘sanitised’ which would alter its character.”

It has since been reported that there are plans to replace the space with an Aldi supermarket. Jacqueline McKenzie said:

“It is deeply concerning that the site owners have conditional planning permission for an Aldi supermarket, yet our clients have had no consultation on compensation or on whether they may have a place in any future development.” – Jacqueline McKenzie, Leigh Day

The events of Brixton Plaza echo the eviction of traders at Ridley Road Shopping Village, an indoor market in Dalston, just last week, as well as those in Castle Square in Elephant & Castle last year.

Another nearby campaign has also gained traction within the community. International House, a council-owned affordable workspace occupied by over 100 local charities and community organisations, is set to be redeveloped into housing in partnership with London Square, a property developer linked to Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund, Mubadala Investment Company.

Article by Kiran Benning