Campaigners have launched a fundraiser to support a potential legal challenge against Lambeth Council's decision to approve a redevelopment that will displace more than 100 not-for-profit organisations, charities, and community groups from Brixton's International House. The campaign group, Save International House, is seeking to raise £25,000 to cover legal costs for a judicial review. As of now, nearly £13,000 has been raised on CrowdJustice, with only six days remaining to secure the rest.
Campaigners claim council lacked key information
Campaigners argue that when the council approved the plans in March, it was not fully aware of the social value of the work carried out by the organisations at International House. Vanessa Boodhoo, a campaigner, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): "When the former administration made the decision to approve the redevelopment, they didn't actually have enough information or sufficient evidence around the work happening within International House. It's clear to us they didn't have a list of the people working here and the impact of the work that they do, so it just seems like it's really hard to make a decision that would completely change the support systems that Lambeth and Lambeth residents have without having that information at hand."
International House, previously used as council offices, is now home to London's largest affordable workspace, managed by 3Space. Many organisations operate on peppercorn rents or pay no rent at all. A significant number are Black-led and focus on HIV awareness, mental health support, youth crime prevention, and refugee justice. Campaigners warn that the redevelopment will deprive Lambeth's most vulnerable residents of essential services.
Impact on community organisations
Elena Lo Presti, founder of Craft Forward, a Community Interest Company that teaches knitting and crochet and makes blankets for homeless people across London, expressed concern. She told the LDRS: "Leaving International House would definitely be difficult for all of us because we won't have that ecosystem of organisations any more. Having free rent for an organisation that is this small is just incredible and I think the worst bit is that a lot of people had started to acknowledge International House as a space for community and that's going to be completely lost." She added: "Knowing that this whole building with so many people dedicated to the wellbeing of the community is just going to become luxury flats, is really, really heartbreaking. It feels like it's just another step to making Brixton even more inhospitable for people that have been here their whole life."
Save International House has also submitted an ePetition on Lambeth Council's website, which has been signed by 790 Lambeth residents so far.
Redevelopment plans and responses
On March 24, the council's planning committee approved an application from London Square to redevelop two council-owned sites at 49 Brixton Station Road and 6 Canterbury Crescent. The sites currently house Pop Brixton and International House, which were temporary uses while redevelopment plans were explored. London Square, owned by Aldar Properties, the largest real estate developer in Abu Dhabi, plans to build 288 homes, with 98 for social rent and 190 for private sale, across four blocks ranging from six to 20 storeys. The proposals also include new workspace, community facilities, and public realm improvements.
During the planning meeting, an International House tenant raised concerns about the relocation strategy, stating: "The report claims that some of the uses in the proposed development could support these businesses in the future; this misrepresents the manner of the organisations based there. They are not businesses, they are largely Black-led community organisations with turnovers of under £10,000 annually and they will not be able to afford the so-called affordable workspace being provided." A previous petition against the plans had over 1,000 signatures, but the plans were approved despite community opposition.
Cllr Daniel Adilypour, then Deputy Leader of Lambeth Council and Cabinet Member for Housing, Investment and New Homes, defended the decision, saying: "In the face of the housing crisis, which is having a huge effect in Lambeth, and across London, we are determined to use council owned land to build as many new homes as possible for everyone. The temporary schemes on these two sites have served the community well and brought activity to these spaces whilst these plans progressed, but it's now time to secure a permanent future for these sites." Adam Lawrence, founder and CEO of London Square, added: "This project has been a genuinely collaborative process, shaped by many months of engagement with locals, businesses and stakeholders. The approved plans reflect that input and will support what makes Brixton a special place to live and work."
Campaigners argue the plans will harm the area's character, accelerate gentrification, and displace long-standing residents, traders, and organisations. The fundraiser remains active, with the group aiming to meet its £25,000 target to proceed with the judicial review.
