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Future Brixton Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

I like Brixton the way it is, why change it?

Brixton is a fantastic town centre with a unique character and protecting Brixton's heritage and future is at the heart of all the proposals. However, Brixton has a number of issues that need addressing. These include:

• Coldharbour ward (covering much of central Brixton) is in the top ten of most deprived wards in the UK
• unemployment is high and impacts on prosperity 
• transport interchange is poor, confusing and congested (particularly around the tube with a number of bus stops very close together) 
• retail and leisure turnover is below average for a major centre particularly in comparison to centres such as Lewisham and Clapham Junction 
• while many people pass through Brixton (to work or get to work or to live or to play) they are not spending their money locally 
• demand for premises is high but there is a lack of affordable premises for businesses and the community sector 
• crime levels are higher than average and Brixton's reputation impairs its prosperity. 

Why is the council creating a masterplan?

Brixton is at the heart of Lambeth. It is famous for its entertainment venues and markets, and has developed an international reputation as a diverse cultural and creative centre. But Brixton also has high levels of unemployment and deprivation. It could perform much better as a town centre and is below average in areas such as retail and leisure turnover for a major town centre. Physical difficulties such as the railway lines have limited regeneration in Brixton and this has led to a general physical decline along with crime, grime and traffic congestion. Dealing with Brixton's environment to kick-start the regeneration process is a priority for the council.

The masterplan will provide a structure for bringing positive change to the area and can be used to help bring in investment.

Is regeneration gentrification?

No. We see preserving Brixton's diverse community and unique character at the heart of all future development.

Regeneration is aimed at improving the lives of local people, as well future populations. The overarching aim is to improve the quality of life of local people - to create a more pleasant and sustainable town centre with improved opportunities.

Many local residents and workers in Brixton go elsewhere to spend their money and their leisure time. Many people pass through, visit and live in Brixton and we need to make sure they can stay in Brixton to shop, chill out and support local businesses.

The aim is for increased investment in the town centre to support the local independent shops, markets and creative businesses. In addition, issues such as education, skills and unemployment will be tackled and other initiatives will focus on supporting businesses in the area.

What will happen to the market?

Brixton Market forms the heart of the town centre - both physically and culturally. We want to improve and preserve the market and make it a more attractive feature, developing its range of goods. The market is a long-standing visitor attraction that serves local needs by supplying foods not available in shops elsewhere. The outdoor market could benefit from improvements in signage and a scheme is being put forward to look at other possible physical improvements to the space.

What will happen to car parking?

Parking spaces in Brixton are vital for many market traders and businesses, although existing facilities are perceived as unsafe and in need of refurbishment. We are committed to ensure that a sufficient level of parking provision is maintained, while encouraging a sustainable mix of transport in the town centre overall.

When will we see something start to happen?

The masterplan is to guide work over the coming decades, however some projects are already underway. Construction is about to begin on a new secondary school for the area (the Evelyn Grace Academy), the Rec is undergoing a £2.85 million refurbishment and a new customer centre has opened on Brixton Hill. Other improvements in the near future include: works to improve Brixton Road; streetscape and lighting improvements; public art projects; and the creation of a new public square by combining Tate Gardens and Windrush Square in mid 2008.

What are you doing about crime in the area?

Crime is a key concern for residents and businesses in Brixton. There is a lot of drug-related crime, including drug-dealing, theft and violent crime in hotspots such as around the underground station. Currently there is a safer neighbourhoods team specifically for the Brixton town centre and a new joint initiative with the police has identified Brixton as a priority area.

The masterplan will consider safety issues in 'designing out crime' in spaces and routes through the town centre and we are working with the community safety team and partners such as the police to ensure this is considered.

We are also keen to hear your ideas on how improvements to the physical environment can reduce crime and improve safety in the area.

If we improve the area, won't it push up house prices and rent for businesses?

This is happening already. The demand for business premises has led to a rise in rents and land values. In the Lambeth First Economic Development Strategy the council has given a commitment to set up a business-focused town centre management structure to support businesses and industries in the town centre.

In addition, the visioning framework suggests providing more premises in the town centre to help meet demand.
Regarding housing, there is a shortage of good quality housing and high levels of poor and inappropriate housing stock. Due to the lack of affordable housing and the pressure on privately rented accommodation, we would like to see if more housing can be built through higher densities and more mixed development schemes.

Are we going to get a Next, Starbucks or other chain stores in Brixton?

Many businesses including chain stores are looking to invest in Brixton. The challenge for Lambeth is to increase investment in the town centre without jeopardising the independent shops, markets and creative businesses.

In past surveys local people have said that they would like to have a wider range of shops - including some big name stores - but don't want to lose local businesses or destroy Brixton's character. This is central to the ideas behind the visioning framework.

What are you doing to ensure that landmark buildings in Brixton are not destroyed?

Brixton high street is in a conservation area that preserves the character of the areas and prevents key buildings in the area from being demolished. In addition, a number of buildings such as St Matthew's Church, Brixton Academy and the Town Hall are listed buildings.

The visioning framework identifies key sites where there is potential for development that will enhance Brixton. It prioritises underused or vacant sites where possible.