Brixton traders move closer to owning their markets

The people who make Brixton’s markets special could soon have a bigger say in their future. A community campaign has been chosen as preferred buyer for Brixton Village and Market Row, ahead of commercial bidders.

The Brixton Traders Community Association and The Advocacy Academy have spent two years building the bid. Their plan is for traders, residents and young people to share democratic ownership and stewardship of the markets.

Retail Gazette reported on 10 September that the campaign had secured £6.5m in pledges from trusts and foundations, alongside more than £550,000 in crowdfunding. Those are fundraising commitments, not a completed purchase.

The campaign’s timetable allows eight weeks from September to complete checks and exchange contracts, followed by four months to raise the remaining money and finish the legal arrangements. There is still a substantial funding challenge.

But reaching preferred-buyer status is a concrete achievement. Traders and neighbours have organised a bid strong enough to compete in a commercial sale, creating a route towards local control of a place central to community life.

Sources

• Retail Gazette — Buy Back Brixton wins buyer bid for Brixton Village
• The Advocacy Academy — Buy Back Brixton