UK: Mixed response to controversial Brick Lane redevelopment plan

Critics say overhaul of historic brewery buildings on famed East London thoroughfare will ‘drive out’ local businesses.

London, United Kingdom – Despite a months-long campaign against the redevelopment of East London’s Brick Lane, a local council committee has voted for plans to build a shopping centre and corporate office block in the historic multicultural area, which has been home to successive waves of immigrant communities.

There were 7,000 objections to the project, which aims to redevelop the old Truman Brewery buildings, including from the Bengali East End Heritage Society.

This week’s decision was criticised by activists and organisers who argue the plans to rebuild harm minority communities and are part of a London-wide gentrification programme targeting working-class areas.