Ridley Road Market consultation extended

The recent rash of postal strikes across London has led Hackney Council to extend the public consultation phase concerning the controversial proposals for the redevelopment of Dalston’s cherished Ridley Road Market.

The delayed delivery of thousands of invitations to a public consultation held in early September has prompted the Council into re-scheduling the event.

Hackney residents and businesses will get another chance to voice their opinions on the nine proposed design options between 10am – 4pm on Saturday 10 October 2009 – on a stall on Ridley Road Market itself.

The Council’s motives for the regeneration of Ridley Road have long been viewed with suspicion by the market traders, especially since a series of high-profile clashes over what have been seen by many as petty matters such as the common practice of selling goods by the bowl.

Concern persists that Hackney Council will use the process to turn important sites over to residential use, but stallholders agree that Dalston’s vibrant marketplace is in need of a make-over.

Basic facilities such as lighting and electrics are long overdue thanks to years of seeming neglect.

Market traders got to have their say in an earlier stage of the consultation but the distrust lingers on, as a fourth generation stallholder makes clear.

“They [Hackney Council] are working alongside us because it suits them to, but I don’t get good vibes from that.”

Now it’s your chance to comment on the proposals and support your local market. The consultation stall opens this Saturday from 10am on Ridley Road.

Feedback on the proposed design options and any general comments can be made via email to streetscene@hackney.gov.uk until the 16 October 2009.

More information about the consultation.