Liberal Democrats cancel Brixton Square project
October 2005

Brixton Square (image commissioned by Lambeth council)

Liberal Democrats running Lambeth council have cancelled the proposed redevelopment of Brixton Square, turning down £8 million of investment from the Mayor as part of his central squares initiative. The decision was announced at an Executive meeting where Liberal Democrat councillors gave no reason for the cancellation.

The announcement will stun local campaigners and their Labour representatives who were hopeful that the redevelopment of the square would have a number of knock on benefits for the centre of Brixton. Plans included the "unification" of Brixton Oval and Windrush Square to create a larger open space in the centre of Brixton for the public to enjoy.

Brixton Area Committee, also strongly backed the project. Its Labour Chair, Toren Smith has heavily criticised the Liberal Democrat’s decision and was particularly angry at the Lib Dem’s failure to provide any substantive reason for turning down the investment. Importantly, going ahead with the £8 million project would not have cost Lambeth a penny.

Toren Smith, Labour Councillor and Chair of Brixton Area Committee, said:

“This has been the product of six years work, between the community, the Council and the Mayor. The strong support of the community in Brixton clearly means nothing to Town Hall Liberal Democrats. The package of measures would have improved pedestrian safety and the public realm in central Brixton, which is in desperate need of new investment.

“I will be asking the Council’s scrutiny committee to review this decision and to give the community an opportunity to make their views known.”

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