The origins of Brixton Market can be traced back to 1870, where the original market was located on Atlantic Road next to Brixton Rail Station. In the 1880s the market expanded up and along Electric Avenue, so named as it was the first market street to be lit by electricity. In the 1920’s and 30’s Brixton established itself as a leading shopping destination; the main road was widened and the covered markets such as Reliance Arcade, Brixton Village and Market Row were built.
Following World War II, during the 1940s and 50’s Brixton saw an influx of immigration from the West Indies which greatly influenced commodities offered in the market place.
Today the Market is spread over three locations, Electric Avenue, Popes Road & Brixton Station Road. Brixton Market remains a melting pot of cultures, which form a diverse customer base
Although these are testing economic times, the market’s traders continue to offer a varied range of commodities that offer real value to customers.
There have been a number of initiatives undertaken by the Council and Stakeholders to ensure that the markets throughout the borough maintain their popularity, create fertile business environments to contribute to the growth of local economies and deliver much loved amenities to local communities.
Brixton Market offers a diverse range of all types of goods and produce and the vibrant market has a great atmosphere with a real sense of community.
Trevor Virtue Lambeth’s Market Development Officer said “We seek to deliver on the Council’s cooperative ambitions by ensuring that communities are at the heart of our market strategy. It is essential that that the community has a buy-in with regard to their local market as this ensures sustainability and the main focus is on the market reflecting a developing dynamic rather than simply a regulated entity. There are challenges to be met with regard to meeting the requirements of a licensing framework while delivering on stakeholders expectations; however, these are challenges that we continue to meet.”
In Brixton Market, the local Traders’ Federation (Brixton Market Trader’s Federation), has formed itself into a Community Interest Company and now manage Brixton Station Road bringing a variety of themed events to the market. This initiative has given both the Traders and the Authority the opportunity to develop a progressive and collaborative relationship that will deliver long term benefits to the market and local community.
Stuart Horwood, Chairman of the Brixton Market Traders’ Federation said, “Brixton Market is a meeting place for members of Brixton’s established and diverse communities. The market is also potentially a valuable resource for community initiatives, charities, campaigns and organisations; one of the core engagement activities undertaken by BMTF is to facilitate such groups and organisations to rent stalls in the market and become one of our key ‘customers’.
“It is the aim of Brixton Market Traders’ Federation CIC to establish partnerships with local community groups and statutory bodies, to ensure that Brixton Station Roads development is sustainable and contributes to the local economy and social cohesion.”
The Authority has also embarked on a programme to deliver cooperative markets across the borough. It is envisaged that this will deliver the provision of a local amenity for residents, a fertile business environment for experienced and budding traders as well as promote local areas as a destination.
Mr Jamie Akinola, Lambeth’s Enforcement Manager said “Two such projects have been undertaken in Herne Hill and Streatham. Herne Hill Market is managed by the Herne Hill Forum, a community group that are working with the council to deliver a pleasant and sustainable environment. In Streatham, there has been the establishment of a new Food and Artisans Market, following consultation with the local community; depending on the outcome of an imminent Business Improvement District ballot, the Authority would also seek to partner this body in relation to Street Trading in the area”.
“The Authority believes that as we move into 2013, that our focus should be on our customers and their experiences within Lambeth’s Street Markets; therefore, the views of our customers and neighbouring retailers are paramount to the delivery of pleasant and relevant markets that can contribute to local economies. This will indeed deliver on the Authority’s commitment to deliver Quality, Value and Choice.”
Brixton Market stands six days a week from Monday to Saturdays between 8.00am to 6.00pm and Wednesday is a half-day, closing around 3.00pm. Casuals are welcome and once the necessary documentation has been completed, they can be trading within three to four days.
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