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Campaigners fighting to save The Mall, Camden Passage’s ‘jewel in the crown’ |
Going, going... but traders make a final bid to save home of antiques
ANTIQUES traders – with support from the Town Hall – mounted a last stand this week to prevent The Mall in Camden Passage, Islington, being gutted and turned into a large high street store.
Traders heard for the first time that an agreement has been signed between new owner, London Associated Properties (LAP), and Jack Wills, a major upmarket fashion retailer.
More than 30 campaigners, including many small traders evicted from the Grade II-listed former tramshed in August this year, turned up at a public inquiry.
The Mall was described by traders as world-famous Camden Passage’s “jewel in the crown”. Before it closed four months ago, it had been home to up to 40 small antiques shops since 1975.
The inquiry was to hear an appeal by LAP against Islington Council’s decision to refuse permission for the firm to rip out shop partitions and turn the building over to a single large store.
Giving evidence on behalf of the council, architect Denis McCoy said the development would “diminish” the building’s contribution to the area.
“The change from arcade shopping to open-plan retail would harm the special architectural and historic interest of The Mall,” he added.
Mike Weedon, from Camden Passage Association, said that The Mall was an integral part of the antiques trade. “It was often a launch pad for small businesses that went on to take over larger shops,” he added.
“The small antiques businesses are what brought visitors from all over the world to Camden Passage in the first place.”
Labour councillor Martin Klute accused LAP of lowering morale by evicting the antiques traders and of being motivated by financial self-interest.
LAP argued that its scheme was an “entirely sensible proposal” that would improve the fabric of the building, which had been “in physical decline for several years”.
The company said that English Heritage had been consulted and had not objected to the proposals.
The “special interest” of the building was its external features rather than the internal partitions.
Barrister for LAP, James Pereira, said: “The case needs to be approached dispassionately.
“The loss of the antiques trade from The Mall, which has already taken place, has triggered strongly expressed objections and feelings of resentment which permeate every objection that has been raised against the proposals.”
The two-day inquiry in Highbury ended on Tuesday when the inspector made a site visit. His decision will be announced shortly.
Preppy fashion store ready to move into revamped Mall
UPMARKET fashion store Jack Wills – with Princes William and Harry said to be among its fans – is set to take over The Mall in Camden Passage, Islington, it was revealed this week.
The Mall owner London Associated Properties (LAP) told a public inquiry on Tuesday that a lease agreement had been reached with the firm. It wants the entire building and is unlikely to move in if the planning inspector blocks LAP plans to gut and refurbish the interior.
Jack Wills, which targets wealthy university students with its polo shirts and preppy fashion, has a strong following, according to online Retail Week. It has been likened to US brand Abercrombie & Fitch, has a multichannel operation in the UK, including 25 shops and a website, and runs an online operation in the US.
Last year, private equity firm Inflexion took a small stake in the retailer to help growth. It wants to expand into Japan and the US and is believed to be on the hunt for a location for its first US store, to open next year.
Jack Wills was founded in Salcombe, Devon, in 1999 by Peter Williams, who named the chain after his grandfather. It is among a growing sector of fashion and lifestyle retailers, including Crew Clothing and Joules, strengthening their presence on the high street. |
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