Watney market traders facing huge losses from refurbishment
Traders are complaining about a lack of compensation after building works have forced them to relocate their stalls to the road and decreased the customer footfall to local shops.
A new investment by Tower Hamlets Council to improve Watney Market has caused controversy among displaced traders who claim a lack of communication and support from the council.
Following a 2022 report and consultation with local traders, Tower Hamlets have begun works to address health and safety concerns with Watney Market.
However, traders are claiming they have not been compensated after the £2.89 million project forced them to move their stalls.
Many stalls have been forced to relocate to the noisy corner of Commercial Road.
Traders have had to pitch their stalls in between fencing and newly-installed Santander cycle racks on the uneven pavement of a busy A road. They are also relying on noisy generators for power after losing access to Watney Market’s power lines.
Lost business
“I have lost many customers”, said fruit trader Hossain. “I’ve wasted a massive amount of stock because I couldn’t sell it. I have to pay the rent. I’ve made a loss of about £1,600 in the last three weeks.”
Fruit trader Hossain says he is facing bankruptcy after his stall’s relocation.
Tower Hamlets denied Hossain’s requests for a rent reduction, but he said he survives off his sales and cannot afford to shut down.
Hossain is not alone in his grievances towards the project. Local key cutter, Warren Godfrey, claims the council failed to respond to traders’ calls for signs directing customers to relocated stalls. “It’d be nice if there was a sign at the top of the market telling people that we are still open, that would’ve helped.”
Much needed improvements?
Tower Hamlets Council said, “We recognise that these works will cause some disruption to the local area however, they are set to improve the market concourse and underground car park, increase community safety, and reduce anti-social behaviour in the area – creating a welcoming destination for residents, traders and visitors alike.”
The proposal sketch for the refurbishment shows off a new market concourse. Source: Metis and Riney, Tower Hamlets Council
Not all traders see the improvement works as a bad thing. Fishmonger Bousselham al Attaoui, whose stall remains in place at the far end of the market, said he believes the completion of the renovation will bring a new wave of customers to local businesses. “The market is going to be amazing. It’s going to be good for us.
“When we open in May, the lost money from these 3 months is going to come back. I tell the other traders to just give the council a chance.”
The refurbished market will feature a new concourse, improved health and safety, and access gates to the underground car park. Stallholders anticipate their return to trading will not be until at least the 1st of May.
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HeadlineWatney market traders facing huge losses from refurbishment
Short HeadlineTraders in Watney on edge of bankruptcy
StandfirstTraders are complaining about a lack of compensation after building works have forced them to relocate their stalls to the road and decreased the customer footfall to local shops.
A new investment by Tower Hamlets Council to improve Watney Market has caused controversy among displaced traders who claim a lack of communication and support from the council.
Following a 2022 report and consultation with local traders, Tower Hamlets have begun works to address health and safety concerns with Watney Market.
However, traders are claiming they have not been compensated after the £2.89 million project forced them to move their stalls.
Many stalls have been forced to relocate to the noisy corner of Commercial Road.
Traders have had to pitch their stalls in between fencing and newly-installed Santander cycle racks on the uneven pavement of a busy A road. They are also relying on noisy generators for power after losing access to Watney Market’s power lines.
Lost business
“I have lost many customers”, said fruit trader Hossain. “I’ve wasted a massive amount of stock because I couldn’t sell it. I have to pay the rent. I’ve made a loss of about £1,600 in the last three weeks.”
Fruit trader Hossain says he is facing bankruptcy after his stall’s relocation.
Tower Hamlets denied Hossain’s requests for a rent reduction, but he said he survives off his sales and cannot afford to shut down.
Hossain is not alone in his grievances towards the project. Local key cutter, Warren Godfrey, claims the council failed to respond to traders’ calls for signs directing customers to relocated stalls. “It’d be nice if there was a sign at the top of the market telling people that we are still open, that would’ve helped.”
Much needed improvements?
Tower Hamlets Council said, “We recognise that these works will cause some disruption to the local area however, they are set to improve the market concourse and underground car park, increase community safety, and reduce anti-social behaviour in the area – creating a welcoming destination for residents, traders and visitors alike.”
The proposal sketch for the refurbishment shows off a new market concourse. Source: Metis and Riney, Tower Hamlets Council
Not all traders see the improvement works as a bad thing. Fishmonger Bousselham al Attaoui, whose stall remains in place at the far end of the market, said he believes the completion of the renovation will bring a new wave of customers to local businesses. “The market is going to be amazing. It’s going to be good for us.
“When we open in May, the lost money from these 3 months is going to come back. I tell the other traders to just give the council a chance.”
The refurbished market will feature a new concourse, improved health and safety, and access gates to the underground car park. Stallholders anticipate their return to trading will not be until at least the 1st of May.
