Attempts to protect Shepherd’s Bush Market from redevelopment have been shut down by the local council.

Shepherd’s Bush Market moved one step closer to widescale development, with Hammersmith & Fulham Council’s refusal to designate the site as an “Asset of Community Value” sparking controversy.

The council rejected the proposal on the grounds that the market focuses on retail, and not on furthering the social interest or wellbeing of the community.

In response to the decision, Friends of Shepherd’s Bush Market accused Hammersmith & Fulham Council of siding with “billionaire developers over market traders and the local community”.

Local man Bobby, who has worked at Shepherd’s Bush Market for over a decade, described the role the site plays in “binding the community together”.

The ‘Asset of Community Value’ title would have given locals the right to make a bid for the property, with fears that majority shareholder and real-estate developer, Yoo Capital, intend to sell the market.

Yoo Capital say this is not the case, insisting redevelopment plans are aimed at “preserving the market’s heritage and securing its future”.

City News reported on the issue back in late 2023, when around half of the market’s permanently operating traders submitted a letter to the council expressing opposition to redevelopment plans.

Their concerns centred around “big rent increases” that they feared would be a “threat to diversity” and “push traders out of the market”.

Almost two years later, they feel their nightmare scenario is on the verge of becoming real.

Split opinion

But not all traders are completely opposed to change.

The Shepherd’s Bush Market Tenants’ Association have criticised the Friends’ opposition to change, accusing the group of blocking what they say is much-needed revitalisation of the site.

Bobby thinks similarly and is optimistic about the future of the market.

What will the redevelopment look like?

On top of rent freezes until 2031, Yoo Capital has promised to improve the site with a new road surface and a canopy “designed for maximum weather protection from above”.

The developer has also pledged to replace all stalls, with traders to be consulted regarding “fit outs and visual merchandising”.

And it is not just the market that may be subject to change.

Yoo Capital, who are also overseeing the £1.3 billion regeneration of the nearby Kensington Olympia, have proposed to build 40 new affordable homes on the Old Laundry Yard Site bordering Shepherd’s Bush Market.

The real-estate company have promised that “there will be no private housing” involved in the project.

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