Lambeth kicks off developer search for Pop Brixton site
Lambeth Council is on the hunt for a firm to help it redevelop south London market Pop Brixton, SW9, with one option to knock it down in place of affordable housing.
The pop-up bar and restaurant venue, which the council owns alongside neighbouring office block International House, has been at the site for nearly six years, but that is due to end in 2024.
Lambeth’s proposed scheme to replace the two sites includes 235 homes, of which about 118 would be classed as affordable. It is also expected to provide a minimum of 14,000 sq ft of affordable workspace.
Lambeth Council is on the hunt for a firm to help it redevelop south London market Pop Brixton, SW9, with one option to knock it down in place of affordable housing.
The pop-up bar and restaurant venue, which the council owns alongside neighbouring office block International House, has been at the site for nearly six years, but that is due to end in 2024.
Lambeth’s proposed scheme to replace the two sites includes 235 homes, of which about 118 would be classed as affordable. It is also expected to provide a minimum of 14,000 sq ft of affordable workspace.
Speaking this evening, Matthew Bennett, Lambeth cabinet member for planning, investment and new homes, said the proposals were for “a permanent home for Brixton’s businesses, purpose-built and designed around what they need”.
The council has agreed to launch the procurement in the coming months, with a view to finding a developer by March 2022. Construction could start on the sites as early as 2024.
Pop Brixton, a shipping container structure with food stalls, event, retail and office space, was once the site of a 1970s multi-storey car park. Its demolition in 2010 has since been blamed for the decline of Brixton’s nearby permanent markets over the last decade.
The subsequent pop-up development, which started trading in 2016, has also garnered criticism for failing to serve the local community, as well as struggling to turn a profit for the council throughout most of its tenure.
Bennett added: “This is an exciting opportunity to use these council-owned sites in Brixton to provide more council housing, more space for local businesses and create more jobs for local people.
“It’s crucial that the future development happens with the backing of the local community and contributes to the borough’s recovery from the Covid-19 crisis, supports action on the climate emergency and reduces inequality.
“By working with the right delivery partner alongside the local community, we can secure these benefits for our residents and businesses.”
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Image © Lambeth Council
