The Metropolis

Will a new Holiday Inn really "ruin the feel" of Brixton?

Mike Pollitt | Wednesday 1 August, 2012 14:43

A debate is underway over whether turning an empty Woolworths building into a Holiday Inn would spoil Brixton’s character.

Brixton Blog has the news story that plans have been approved by Lambeth council, and pictures of the designs. The planning application is here.

The petition against makes the following case:

“Coldharbour Lane is a mecca of small independent shops and restaurants. It has not yet succumbed to the high street giants like Starbucks and Costa that have invaded Brixton town centre over the past few years. What makes Brixton great is the independent businesses. If Holiday Inn move to Coldharbour Lane, this is the start of the end of this beautiful vibrant and individual street. “

And here’s a discussion forum on urban75 with a sample comment from gabi which makes a lot of sense:

“Can’t quite see the problem with this other than the lack of consultation. Can’t see who’s going to lose out here.”

Don’t know about you, but I find it difficult to argue with finding a use for an empty building. Getting more people and more money into an area, and some use out of its empty buildings, must surely be a good thing. Mustn’t it?

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