As scaffolding obscuring shops on the north side of Atlantic Road entered its third month in place, The Arches Company, which owns the freehold of the shops, called on Network Rail to “explore all options” to open access to the shopfronts.
The scaffolding is supporting the platform of Brixton station. Network Rail, the former owner of the arches, is still responsible for the platform.
Michelle Ulyatt of The Arches Company said: “We have been in discussions with Network Rail about the work taking place at Brixton station and the impact this is having on tenants who have returned to our Brixton scheme.
“We have been feeding back tenants’ concerns to them and keeping our tenants informed when new information becomes available.”
“We recognise the significant disruption this work is causing our tenants and we are working with them to understand what more can be done to support their businesses.
“As a priority, we are identifying ways to help drive footfall, such as signage and wayfinding, and urging Network Rail to explore all options for the scaffolding design to open up access to the shop-fronts.”
A Network Rail spokesperson said: “We are very sorry for the disruption, and are doing everything we can to mitigate the problems for local traders.
“For safety reasons, the scaffolding is absolutely essential due to the deterioration of the steel beams which support the platform above.
“We have now lifted the temporary road closure and reopened the walkway beneath the scaffolding to the public, which should improve footfall to shops.
“Our engineers are now working on a detailed design to fix the structure and are exploring the possibility of creating openings in the scaffold in front of the affected shops.
“Although we can’t give a definitive timescale now, we are working to fix the structure and remove the scaffolding as soon as possible.”
