Brixton markets are a centre of attention

Tour of Brixton MarketBrixton’s famous street markets have recently been and are to be future examples for study and discussion.

“The future of London’s street markets”, a one-day interactive conference on Monday 24 June at Brixton Community Base on Talma Road, will bring together market activists, traders, shoppers and academics with an interest in the future of street markets in the capital.

And 30 participants in a two-day international conference on markets organised by the Greater London Authority visited Brixton in June for discussions and tours of its markets.

The tenth International Public Markets Conference, based at London’s City Hall, looked at trends in markets through interlinked themes of inclusion, innovation and impact, and, as well as Brixton, included visits to New Covent Garden, Billingsgate and Smithfield.

Stall holder Stacy with the Rose Voucher scheme chief exec
Electric Avenue fruit and vegetable stallholder Tracey and Jonathan Palling of Rose Vouchers (above) explain the success of the scheme that began in Brixton in 2015, working with the Brixton Market Traders Federation. It enables local people to buy fruit and veg in local markets. The Alexander Rose Charity scheme is now operating in other markets ad cities including Bradford and Liverpool, benefiting both traders and families on low incomes.

At the Community base conference, organisers say individuals and groups associated with covered markets, community, street and retail markets will meet, discuss and share common ideas and experiences from the last two decades of policy change that have left markets and public spaces feeling increasingly under pressure.

“Can we truly have a say in the future of London’s street markets?” they ask. The day will include workshops, discussions and a market tour. The event is funded by the School of Geography at the University of Leeds and the Just Space Network.

The conference is from 10am – 5pm. Brixton Community Base: Talma Rd, Brixton, London SW2 1AS Booking is essential via http://bit.ly/BCB-markets.

Alternatively email Saif Osmani and Mama D at streetmarketsuk@gmail.com or call 07915 234 404 to book a place or for further information. Participants are expected to stay for the duration of the day. Lunch and light refreshments are provided.