When local residents come together for a positive cause, exciting things can happen, and Brixton Village is a perfect example.
In the space of just one year, Brixton Village, formerly known as Granville Arcade, has been more than just dusted down and spruced up. It's been totally transformed from a rundown (on the verge of being knocked down!) shopping space into a lively, modern part of the wider
Brixton market.
It's the result of the hard work of local residents, the local council, entrepreneurs and
Space Makers Agency, an organisation that works "to create sociable spaces and sustainable local economies".
The Brixton Village building was almost demolished to make way for a tower block until local residents and market traders made their voices heard and came up with a course of action.
Plans for the new tower block were shelved, the building was Grade II listed, and the Village has never looked back.
All 20 units in the covered arcade are now filled with, for example, boutiques, bistros, delis, cafes, vintage clothes shops and retro furniture stores.
The word about Brixton Village's community atmosphere and range businesses is starting to get out, with people coming from across London to see what's going on.
Brixton Village keeps to regular shopping hours, with late openings (till 10pm) on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. And so popular is the Village that as from November 2010, store owners are also opening on Sundays.
