One of the main areas that the exhibition will look at will be the impact of the new station and what the local community think it will mean for the area. Impressions so far are quite mixed; people are unsure that the rise in house prices that a fresh group of commuter will bring, will also mean an increase in custom.
The station has the ability to make a profound impact on the social make up. It has a diverse set of backgrounds along it's route south, and once the connection with Canonbury is open, even more people will be reached from increasingly eclectic backgrounds. From speaking with the market holders it is clear that people already come from far and wide to gain fresh, cheap produce from Ridley Road but when people move to the area and don't appreciate the personal approach that the market provides; will this be its downfall?
The comparisons with Columbia Road market are obvious; the differences lie in the investment in the street. The market is also settled in a confined space that could little expand or diversify, this is what makes it unique. The capacity for Ridley Road to develop through investment is low, especially in current climes. Street vendors have to source power from the fixed store fronts at present which is cumbersome and a little hazardous. Will the new visitors from the other parts of leafy, affluent greater London tolerate this?
The exhibtion hopes to pull together all these thoughts to give further scope to the body of thought on the topic.
The redevelopment of Dalston's Kingland road and Junction coupled with new station creates mixed feelings in my jumble box heart.
ReplyDeleteI am seeing new faces. City faces who will no doubt bring a sense of prosperity to the area but at the same time it hurts to see as this creates a new social divide. It makes me uneasy as I wonder how long it will be before the people who create the vibrant community in Dalston can no longer live here. The African mamma, the Turkish butcher, the loopy artist - will they all be pushed out?
I cannot imagine a City worker rushing to Ridley Road to buy some dried fish can you?
I have to say, I was devastated when the new tower of flats took over the land space that was once the old theatre. I have a bad feeling about this change in demographic.
I am glad that you have started this blog! I have been collecting photos of Dalston for years now so if ever you see anything on my crazy blog that you want to use - feel free.