Lewisham’s Model Market will be reopening in the spring, five years after the street food area last traded.
LandSec, the developer which in October won permission to rebuild Lewisham Shopping Centre with 1,700 new homes, is promising “a hub for independent kitchens, local makers and creative spaces”.
The company is asking local independent traders to get in touch via its website if they want to get involved in the revived space.
Until the 2000s the Model Market, just south of the main shopping centre, was a hub for small traders, attracting many black-owned businesses.
In 2014 it reopened as a street food market and quickly become hugely popular, but closed in September 2021, when its operator, Street Feast, collapsed.
After scrapping plans to knock down part of the shopping centre early to create a new space, LandSec will reopen Model Market in its original site, reusing the old buildings in what it calls “a reimagined street market for a new generation” .
“The revived Model Market will serve more than food, it will be a social hub in the heart of Lewisham, delivering DJ sets and genre-spanning music, alongside a host of events, pop-ups and cultural programming that blends food, music and art,” it said.
“By honouring the original architecture and preserving the site’s time-worn patina, the market will retain the character and charm that made it iconic while introducing a bold new visual identity.”
Lewisham Shopping Centre’s director Paul Redden said: “Model Market was a much-loved destination that still holds a special place in the hearts of the community. Its revival marks an important moment for the town centre – one that not only celebrates our heritage, but embraces new opportunities for culture, food and the community.
“Model Market will bring its unique vibrancy to Lewisham once more, and it’s an honour to be supporting this initiative and create a space where local businesses can thrive and the community can connect in meaningful, memorable ways.”
Inside the shopping centre, the old Wilko store is being converted into a new outlet for Boots before redevelopment work begins at the north end of the mall in 2027. As well as the 1,744 new homes, up to 661 student rooms and 445 co-living homes are planned along with a music venue and rooftop meadow.
More information about Model Market is at modelmarket.london.
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