An iconic market that’s over 100 years old is set to be demolished in order to make way for a new development.
A nine-storey commercial building will largely replace the 109-year-old Shepherd’s Bush Market in West London, just a stone’s throw from Westfield.
At a meeting last month, three Hammersmith and Fulham councillors voted in favour of the plans, while two voted against.
This decision didn’t avoid controversy, with locals fuming at the “rampant gentrification” of the area.
Shepherd's Bush Market is set to be torn down
Flick/Alan Stanton
Traders were also concerned with the decision, fearing that they will be pushed out of the market and lose their income.
At least 30 merchants have now written to the council to share their concerns.
Some market stalls will remain, having been refurbished, while plans also include the construction of 40 new affordable homes that will be managed by the council.
Buildings formerly used by homeless charity St Mungo’s will also end up being demolished as part of this development.
Some market stalls will remain, having been refurbished
Flick/Hammersmith & Fulham Council
A previous council committee meeting to approve the development had to be abandoned when 20 protestors from community group Protect Shepherd’s Bush Market disturbed the proceedings.
The group took to social media following the council vote on December 20 and said: “Tonight’s vote to waive through the gentrification of Shepherd’s Bush Market is a shameful decision to side with corporate greed.
“Labour councillors asked performative questions about gentrification, trader retention and arch disrepair only to vote the application through.
“The Council have sided with the developer and ignored community and trader concerns for 18 months.
“Tonight just 3 councillors voted to approve an application which will push out traders and destroy the market’s diversity and character.
“We will continue to fight this application and the rampant gentrification it represents.”
Andrew Thorpe, managing director at Yoo Capital, the owners of the market, said: “The market needs investment to survive.
“Our plans provide this while respecting the character of the market and the individuality of its businesses.
“We are proposing to improve the infrastructure of the market and provide a £5.5million package of support for the traders.”