For generations, Ridley Road Market in East London has been more than just a place to shop; it’s a vibrant heartbeat of the community. But now, the traders within its historic indoor hall face a familiar, crushing blow – another eviction notice, threatening to dismantle livelihoods and erase a vital piece of London’s soul.
Asli Uygur, who has run her clothing business in the market for nine years, feels a weary resignation. “We are so used to it at this point, but exhausted fighting,” she says. “It feels like we are being punished. I am a good tenant. It’s clear they just want everyone out.” The building’s owners, an offshore company named Larochette, first sought to redevelop the site into luxury flats years ago, and the cycle of uncertainty continues.
The market’s history is etched into the very fabric of the area. Originally a Jewish community hub, Ridley Road stood firm against the rise of fascism in the 1940s, becoming a focal point of resistance when Oswald Mosley attempted to rally his far-right supporters. Locals, many fresh from fighting in the Second World War, met his rallies with fierce opposition, disrupting meetings until police intervened.
Today, Ridley Road is a thriving center for Afro-Caribbean businesses, a testament to the evolving spirit of Hackney. It’s a place where you can find unique, affordable ethnic produce unavailable in mainstream supermarkets, and, crucially, a vital social hub for many. “It is not just a place with some stalls,” explains Tamara Rabea, a member of the Save Ridley Road campaign. “For many, coming to the market is one of their main forms of socialisation.”
The current eviction notice, delivered with just six weeks’ notice, cites concerns over anti-social behavior and claims of police requests for closure. However, the Metropolitan Police have vehemently denied advising any such action. They clarified that while they advised the building owner to address issues within some units, the complete closure of the market was a decision made independently.
Peter Dissi, who works at the iconic Lion Paw store, describes the situation as “managed decline.” He emphasizes the market’s unique character, stating, “Really, it is its own entity.” This sense of identity is shared by many, including Fatama, a fabric store owner who confessed the thought of closing her shop brought her to tears. “I’ve been here nearly 10 years, and now I am feeling so depressed. This will put me backwards into poverty.”
Hackney Council initially attempted to take over the lease in 2022, but Larochette stipulated a six-month refurbishment period before the transfer could occur. Four years later, the construction remains unfinished, and Larochette continues to hold the lease, leaving traders in limbo. Some fear the ultimate goal is simply to replace the market with a chain coffee shop.
Councillor Zoe Garbett believes Larochette has misrepresented the police’s position and failed to take responsibility for the prolonged redevelopment and the mistreatment of traders. She recognizes Ridley Road as a crucial ecosystem, a center for Black business, and a beloved landmark in Hackney’s heart. The future of this historic market, and the livelihoods of those who depend on it, hangs precariously in the balance.
Joseph ‘Wess’ runs a confectionary shop within the market and voices a common fear: “It feels like they are just waiting to turn it into a Starbucks, but we are in the way.” The traders are left grappling with uncertainty, fighting to preserve a community treasure against forces that seem determined to erase it.
