Council leader supports Granville Listing

09/03/2009

Back in 2008 Brixton resident Paul Bakalite and the 20th Century Society applied to have Granville Listed. The Department of Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) rejected the application based on a very narrow architectural assessement made by English Heritage.

Paul Bakalite then applied to have this judgement reviewed on the grounds that the cultural significance (specifically Black history) had not been assessed, and DCMS agreed. Councillor Rachel Heywood, council leader Steve Reed, Black Cultural Archives, local MPs, the 20th Century Society and FBM have written again in support of the listing, this time stressing the social historical and cultural importance of the building.

In supporting the listing, Steve Reed writes:

"Brixton has always been a destination - a place of promise, safety and refuge for new communities travelling from all over the world. The markets have provided points of entry and a chance to settle and to prosper. Today, they continue to reflect that role with businesses run by African Caribbean, African, Portuguese, Latin American, Afghani and Iraqi traders. 

The markets are of unique cultural and historic significance and this deserves to be protected. I hope that you will see fit to support this request."

Read the full letter.