The Aylesham Centre

The impact on local traders

The new development and the new residents are expected to provide a big boost for local businesses, generating increased footfall and new customers.

However, the redevelopment of the shopping centre means that the businesses which currently trade here will need to relocate, ideally within the new development.

The development is being done in phases. This has been done to reduce the impact on local businesses, and so that Morrisons can continue trading.

How we will support local traders

We have a good track record in supporting businesses in these circumstances. A recent example is the relocation of traders from the arcade outside Peckham Rye Station to Peckham Palms and elsewhere.

The developer will also be legally obliged to support these businesses. We will monitor Berkeley closely to ensure it goes above and beyond the minimum expected in order to help the Aylesham businesses. The developer will also need to provide discounted retail and business space on the ground floor of the new development, some of which could house traders from the former shopping centre.

We support Black and Minority Ethnic owned businesses, and new enterprises owned by young people and female entrepreneurs, through schemes such as the Southwark Pioneers Fund and other offers of funding, mentoring and training.

The Thriving High Streets Fund supports town centres, such as Peckham, through the development and delivery of town centre action plans.

We have also established the Peckham Business Forum which now has more than 75 members.

Page last updated: 21 May 2024