World’s first local currency cash machine opens in Brixton

Brixton Pound cash machine
Picture: Lawrence Lazar

The world’s first local currency cash machine is now open in Brixton.

Brixton Pound (B£) said the ATM in Market Row would further its mission to showcase what a social economy might look like in Brixton.

B£ is the only local currency of its kind in London. The cash machine is funded by the London Mayor’s High Street Fund and is part of a range of initiatives supporting businesses in Brixton’s town centre.

B£ managing director Tom Shakhli said: “Our cash machine is the latest in our challenge to the conventional view that we’re moving towards a cashless society, and gives locals and visitors to Brixton an opportunity to experiment with money that celebrates community and creates conversations rather than closes them off.”

The cash machine was designed and produced by Kind Studio, a local independent creative agency.

B£ notes can be spent in more than 300 independent businesses and feature local notables including David Bowie and Luol Deng as well as Brixton public art.

B£ is designed to keep money in the area, encourage people to support independent businesses, and build community connections in Brixton.

The B£ said the cash machine would give local residents an increased opportunity to spend paper B£s to support these values and imagine a better world, and help B£ to achieve its vision – that a different high street is possible.

Market Row is part of the covered market between Coldharbour Lane, Atlantic Road, and Electric Avenue. The cash machine will be available during the market’s operating hours: 8am–11:30pm Tuesday to Sunday and 8am–6pm on Mondays.

 

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