Campaigners gathered outside City Hall on Monday, October 5, to urge the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, to consider the impact of redevelopment plans for International House and Pop Brixton, warning that around 100 community organisations could be displaced and the beloved Pop Brixton spaces destroyed.
The protest, attended by residents, local businesses, and campaigners, called on decision-makers to listen directly to the people who live, work, and provide services in the Brixton area before any final decisions are made.
Rally outside City Hall
Harry Asmah, a director at Pop Brixton, said: "Losing spaces like International House would leave a hole in the community and culture. Small businesses, new businesses, young people, and enterprises won't get a chance if spaces like this are taken away. Please, hear us and support the future of London."
The proposed scheme, put forward by Lambeth Council and developer London Square, would deliver 288 new homes across the two sites, alongside new workspace, an enterprise and community hub, improved facilities for Brixton's street markets, and public-realm improvements.
However, campaigners fear the redevelopment would come at the cost of the community spaces currently used by around 100 organisations at International House, while Pop Brixton would be demolished to make way for two new buildings.
Plans for new buildings
The proposed plans would flatten Pop Brixton to make way for one 18-storey and one 20-storey building, providing 84 affordable and 121 private sale homes, respectively. The property development company is owned by Aldar Properties, which is the largest real estate developer in Abu Dhabi.
Harry Asmah added: "Pop Brixton helps to support so many people and it would be a shame to see it destroyed. We want to save Pop Brixton and International House. We need to have a legacy and what will be here after. We're not against change, but it should benefit the people who are already there. We are asking the Mayor to listen to Brixton, protect what works, support our community and make sure we have a place in Brixton's future."
Outside City Hall, campaigners held a peaceful rally calling on the Mayor to think about the decisions and how they will affect the Brixton community.
Voices from the community
Ronnie, who is based at International House, said: "When I was first based at International House, I had never found anywhere like it. Many of the small organisations that contribute to the South London community will be displaced and left homeless. My interest is that these communities have a place that they can all afford to meet, network, develop and serve the community."
Richie, who runs Groove School at International House, said: "What would we do without International House? It's an affordable space. This is an accessible place for people to start in life. They would be taking that all away, and there would be nowhere else for us to go. [I want the Mayor] to think about this decision. I've had people inside City Hall saying they could hear us from inside, so we hope they are listening."
Say Your Piece, a three-piece group who have used Pop Brixton to record and perform music, believe losing the location would be a 'massive shame'. Paddy said: "Brixton is great, the culture is amazing. Pop Brixton is very important to us, and it welcomes everybody. It's a free space and that's where we became a group. We need to save it." Mikee added: "We are three guys from all different parts of the country, and we felt welcomed there by the community. We would hate to see an amazing venue ruined for the sake of something that can be done elsewhere." Jay added that Pop Brixton helped develop them as a band, and having it taken away would also be 'taking away from the community.'
Decision deferred to Lambeth Council
The planning application was referred to the Mayor following Lambeth Council's Planning Committee decision in March to grant permission for the wider redevelopment of the two council-owned sites. A petition launched by the Save International House campaign has gathered over 2,000 signatures.
In 2018, workspaces at International House were offered to organisations on a temporary or meanwhile basis. The proposed plans would see it retained and refurbished with two extra storeys added on top to deliver 69 private sale homes. A new six-storey building will be built, providing 14 affordable homes. However, campaigners and current residents fear they will not be able to return once the new building is up.
On Tuesday, October 9, Julie Pipe CBE, Deputy Mayor of Planning, Regeneration and the Fire Services, posted a decision. The official letter stated that, after considering the report on the case, the GLA will be content to allow the 'local authority to determine the case itself'. This means that the decision on whether the plans are approved now lies with Lambeth Council.
