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Camden New Journal - SPECIAL REPORT by NEW JOURNAL TEAM
Published: 21 February 2008

‘It was chaotic and dirty but we all loved the market’s character’

Some of Camden's many celebrities and business people tell us what it is they loved about Camden before the fire struck, and their hopes and fears in its aftermath.

Joan Bakewell, broadcaster and commentator

“I hope it won’t be a super duper development. I would like to see lots of small enterprises and stalls.”

Sir Simon Jenkins, broadcaster and columnist

“It should be rebuilt in a way that does not destroy the character of the market and instead replicate the atmosphere that was there before. (Like the Stables it was) chaotic and dirty and that’s what certain sections of the population like and I think these places should be kept as they are.”

Lee Bennett, club owner and Walk of Fame campaigner

“We are losing lots of the authentic sites of the market to development. That was probably the last bastion of the authentic Camden market from years ago.
“If we don’t rebuild it people might as well not bother coming to Camden and just go to Oxford Street, which is what Camden is becoming at the moment.”

Sadie Frost, fashion designer and actress

“I think the area should stick to its roots and have originality.
“It’s a real shame that the fire destroyed such a wide area, but we have to look at the fact that something positive can happen now.
“I feel it’s important that we respect the area’s history.”

Andrew Walker, Walker’s Quay (canal boat tours)

“I would prefer to see a more canal oriented development that takes into consideration its location and proximity to the canal which could encompass a certain amount of retail but also open space. “It should certainly be a lot less dense than the previous market.”

Jazzy B, music producer

“I’m sure people are putting their best foot forward in getting it up and running.
“I’d like to see a new high tech market which looks out for the traders as well as the punters where the traders have safe and secure places to lock up their wares as well as display them in an attractive and traditional fashion.”

Del Brenner, -waterways campaigner“

I would like our horse ramp back, and for the market to be developed like the Lock Market used to be – with real arts and crafts stalls.”

Akala, rapper

“The main part of Camden was its uniqueness so if you let developers gettheir hands on it, it won’t be Camden any more.”

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