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Islington Tribune - by PETER GRUNER
Published: 22 August 2008

Van Den Bosch, Joe Griffin and Martin Klute

TRADERS LOSE FIGHT TO SAVE ANTIQUES HQ

Fears that eviction ultimatum will spell end for world-famous centre

ANTIQUES traders in the Mall – Camden Passage’s “jewel in the crown” – have finally lost their battle against eviction, it was revealed this week.
The campaign to save the popular Islington tourist attraction lasted almost a year and had support from the Town Hall and, during his election campaign, London Mayor Boris Johnson.
But this week the owners of the building, London Associated Properties (LAP), told traders by letter to vacate the building by the end of next month.
The shock move comes after Islington Council rejected the property company’s plans to gut the interior of the Grade II-listed former tram shed.
LAP, which is believed to have plans to offer the mall to a large retail store, is expected to appeal against the council decision in December.
Traders in Camden Passage believe that closure of the flagship mall will spell the death of the world-famous antiques centre.
A last-ditch demonstration is being staged next month when traders and their supporters will symbolically ring the building. Lib Dem council leader councillor James Kempton, who is on holiday, is expected to be particularly angry with the firm’s ultimatum after holding “useful” talks with its managing director.
Lib Dem deputy council leader councillor Terry Stacy said: “We are totally gobsmacked by this new state of affairs. We can’t believe the owners of the Mall would do this before the appeal has been heard.
“I have written to the owners asking them to halt the eviction notices until after the hearing.”
Mr Johnson’s office said there was nothing the London Mayor could do.
Trader June McDonald said that she has been told that October 1 will be her last day of trading. She added: “From then on, we’ve got to move out and they intend shutting the mall.” Ms McDonald, who has been 25 years in the antiques business, said she had no alternative premises lined up.
Labour councillor Martin Klute said: “My suspicion is that they want the place empty and sterile so there is less of an argument at the appeal.”
Trader Jan Van Den Bosch said: “I’m very disappointed with LAP. They appear to have gone back on their word not to empty the building.
“I think Islington Council have been brilliant and supported us to the end. At the end of the day we need new powers from the government to fight developments like this.”

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