Noel has put a formal question to the Mayor asking him to condemn the current proposals and use his influence to protect Camden Town’s character and its independent traders and businesses.
Greens want to see a tube station improvement scheme which fits with the scale and character of Camden Town and provides affordable space for existing businesses.
Noel said, “The tube station needs to be modernised but the current scheme is a completely misconceived, oversized, corporate-style development.
It is essentially a money-making commercial property scheme. The price of a modern tube station should not be the destruction of Camden Town’s character. The proposed development would displace the independent enterprises and market traders, including the renowned Electric Ballroom, which help to give Camden Town its unparalleled vibrancy, atmosphere and youthful distinctiveness.”
Noel visited the site of the redevelopment proposals to talk to some of the businesses and traders affected, discussing how they can be supported. Noel is well qualified to champion their interests having himself spent 12 years as a small retailer in a London high street.
Noel concluded, “It would be a complete tragedy if Camden Town and its world famous market were simply turned into a uniform high street. The current redevelopment scheme would drive up shop rents and encourage increasing numbers of large retailers to move into Camden Town. This would be bad for London’s diversity, bad for independent enterprise and bad for tourism.”
ENDS
NOTES FOR EDITORS
Noel Lynch’s question to London’s Mayor has been put to the London Assembly meeting which will take place on 21 May 2003.
London Underground submitted applications for planning permission and conservation area consent to Camden Council in November 2002.
It has also made a Transport and Works Act application for the scheme with a view to obtaining compulsory purchase orders for properties on the site which is between Camden High Street, Kentish Town Road and Buck Street.