Islington Tribune - News: Back in business... the market given the boot by developers

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Islington Tribune - by ROISIN GADELRAB
Published: 24 August 2007

Market move: Shopkeepers outside Super Persia store, which faces the new site. From left, market organiser Stephanie Smith, Rojin Moghadam, Afsaneh Todeh and Shervin Moghadam

Back in business... the market given the boot by developers

Stallholders move to new site nearby after planners give their approval

ARCHWAY Market – given a month’s notice to quit by developers – has a new temporary site, thanks to a last-minute intervention by Islington Council.
The new venue is a stone’s throw from Archway Tube station – a wide expanse of pavement in Holloway Road, opposite the new Budgens and St John’s Church at the corner of St John’s Grove.
Stallholders have criticised the “heartless way” they were thrown off their previous site, in Archway mall, and given just days to remove equipment.
Market organiser Stephanie Smith has praised Lib Dem councillors Stefan Kasprzyk and Ursula Woolley for securing council approval for the new site at short notice.
The market opens at its new base tomorrow (Saturday) for a trial period. The Holloway Road site is subject to consultation with traders and residents.
The market was given notice to move out after developers bought the mall from Bridge House Properties.
Ms Smith said: “I’m absolutely delighted we are able to keep going.
“The new site seems just what we are looking for. It’s got plenty of room, trees and lots of nice shops nearby. It means starting all over again but I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
The last market at the mall site was on Saturday. “I had just three-and-a-half days to remove all the equipment from the store,” said Ms Smith.
“That included 600 steel bars, 13 trolleys, covers, tarpaulins and boards.
“Fortunately, everyone rallied round. We hired a big van and have stored materials in various shops and the Methodist Church. Loads of stuff went to charity shops.”
Cllr Kasprzyk said the council was committed to having a market at Archway.
Of the loss of the mall site, he said: “We’re very sad that the new owners couldn’t have spoken to us and told us what they had in mind.
“I understand there are financial constraints on all these deals but the way this was conducted leaves a rather sour taste.
“We had very little time but I’m immensely proud that council officers also rallied round and helped establish this new site.”
Ms Smith has battled to establish the Saturday market, widely regarded as regenerating a rundown part of the borough. It was granted planning permission in December last year.

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