Independent traders at Gabriel's Wharf on London's South Bank have just weeks before they must close their shops for good, with an estimated 130 jobs set to be lost. The site, which has operated since 1988, is earmarked for demolition and regeneration, and businesses have been asked to leave by September 27.
Owner Coin Street says site was always temporary
Coin Street, a not-for-profit social enterprise that owns Gabriel's Wharf, says the site's current form was always intended as a temporary use. The garage units housing the shops have reached the end of their life, and action is needed to regenerate the area. The organisation says the site will continue as a 'meanwhile' use as a "vibrant mixed-use public space", with commercial partners involved in new plans, though specific partners have not yet been revealed.
It is understood that Coin Street expects the new meanwhile use to operate for another 10 to 15 years before long-term redevelopment plans, reportedly for a nursing home, come to fruition in 15 years' time. However, existing businesses say they are heartbroken and stressed about finding affordable alternatives in London, as they currently pay cheaper rents.
Traders describe 'bereavement' and emotional impact
Joanne Plumb, who has run a knitwear shop at Gabriel's Wharf for 24 years, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) the closure feels like "a bereavement". She said: "This place is special. There's nowhere really like it, is there? It's very peaceful, people have said that and that's why they're upset. A lot of people come here because it's to calm their mental [health]. I've made some of my best friends through here. I'm a single mum, I brought up my two boys on this shop."
Plumb says looking for a new place is "consuming me", and she has struggled to find anything similar. "There isn't really anything like this," she added. "It's very commercial. This, you know, this place is different."
Charles Diallo, founder of the vegan restaurant Fed by Plants, said: "I've been here for four-and-a-half years now. I'm one of the top vegan and even top restaurants recommended by Google Reviews. Closing down my business at this level is a suicide for a small business. I cannot believe it, I haven't had anything as good as this." He added: "Coin Street say they are a social enterprise, they should at least make a proposition for a solution, such as 'this is what we can do or what we cannot do' - I think they should consider that clearly."
Visitors and campaign response
Liz Mathews, who owns Potters' Yard Arts with her partner Frances Bingham, told the LDRS a 12-year-old boy began to cry in their shop when he and his mum learnt of the closure. She said: "It really means things to real people. It isn't just any old place that they could make a bit more money with so they could bulldoze. I think it's difficult because all of our arguments seem like they're very emotive, but actually, it's because we are in touch with the soul of the place that has been created here." She added: "It's a living place. Everyone needs maintenance. Of course, it needs maintenance. But it's alive and kicking. Why would you throw that away?"
Frances Bingham said people feel upset because there "doesn't seem to be any real reason why" they have to leave. "It doesn't seem to make sense, why can't we stay for longer?" she said. "Or if there is some reason that we can't, why can't we get some sort of help, even if it was very small like getting our deposits back early or not having to pay the final rent?"
Camille Dawson, founder of sustainable clothing shop Genki Designs, said: "It's such a rare place and so many customers are coming in and the word has got out and they are so sad about it. So many people are coming with their own stories of getting married here or engaged here, or meeting people here or coming as a child. So for [Coin Street] to erase that, all of those stories... people have been visibly upset when they come in and find out what's happening to here."
Campaign to stop closure and Coin Street's response
Traders launched a petition to save the site last year, which currently has 2,686 signatures on change.org. They have also taken to social media and asked Lambeth Council to ensure the plans are carried out through a fair and transparent process. They say they are not asking the council to stop regeneration, but argue it should not "automatically" mean the removal of long-established independent businesses. Lambeth Council has been approached for comment.
A Coin Street spokesperson said "every pound generated by our commercial spaces", including Gabriel's Wharf, supports homes, parks, a nursery, family services and community programmes. They said they had been open about the closure and "we are continuing to promote Gabriel’s Wharf through marketing activity and events to help tenants have a successful final year". The spokesperson added: "The tenants at Gabriel’s Wharf are valued members of the Coin Street community and so last year we took the decision to keep Gabriel’s Wharf open until September 2026 to allow them time to plan for their businesses and to give the Wharf a successful final year in its current form. Our goal is to shape a destination that reflects the spirit of our community and the South Bank - welcoming residents, workers, and visitors alike - while generating vital income to reinvest in the neighbourhood we all care about."
Previously, traders had offered to pay more rent and asked to trade until the end of 2026 to have one last Christmas on site, but their requests were turned down. The closure is set to take effect on September 27, with the site's future use still to be determined.
