Camden Lock Market: The Rise, Fall, and Rise Again
Publication: theculturetrip.com
There are Camdens’ in different parts of the world. Several in various regions of the USA, two in Canada, and four in Australia. For me, the original Camden is and always will be in London, England. It is a vibrant and nostalgic district home to people from many different backgrounds, a hub of business, culture, and creativity.
One of the biggest and most popular attractions of the borough is the Stables Market at Camden Lock. Situated between Chalk Farm and Camden Town, adjoined by the railway bridge with the recognizable words “Camden Lock” in green, yellow, and red on a blue background, the market first opened in the mid-1970’s and is still in business today. It is well-known for selling vintage and second hand goods, including clothes, vinyl records, books, collectible items, furniture, art and much more. In addition, the market boasts cuisines from all over the world. Having been a regular visitor since 2005, I’ve often enjoyed a taste of exotica, and occasionally bagging a bargain. According to Savills’ (2013) report, “Camden Markets are London’s fourth most visited tourist location, with the Capital attracting over 27 million visitors annually.”
In recent years however, the market has suffered various downturns. In 2008, a massive fire engulfed the now-defunct waterside market next to the canal, which re-opened a year later. The Stables Market suffered the same trauma in 2014, and again in 2017, with several businesses destroyed. In 2014, Israeli billionaire Teddy Sagi started purchasing property in the area. The following March, having bought the four most important parts of the six sections of the market, he announced plans to invest £300 million in developing the market area by 2018. This began with the official closure of the waterside market. It was re-developed into what is now the newly-renovated Hawley Wharf complex.
Other areas in proximity to the market have also begun to see some gentrification. In 2018, plans began to redevelop the market in Buck Street (image above), temporarily as part of a redevelopment of Camden Town Tube Station. Following this, it was converted into a three-storey “shipping container.” In the Camden New Journal (2018), Carrier stated:
“Many traders have expressed fears that the changes will mean a move upmarket, with increased rents, and that they will not be offered the chance to return. Councillors approved the scheme on Thursday night, after considering plans that show the market, using recycled shipping containers, will have more than double the existing floor space- but will not increase the number of traders.”
Despite these setbacks, Camden itself (along with the Stables Market) has always been a specific venture whenever I am in need of an alternative shopping experience. With the high street laden with shops selling vintage goods, and food stalls, it is definitely among my favourite locations in London. Situated within minutes from the high street and market is Primrose Hill, a beautiful leafy hilltop park with probably the longest stretching view of the city, displaying recognizable landmarks including the BT Tower, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower 42, the London Eye, and the now-iconic Shard.
In addition, Camden is a popular hangout with many famous personalities, particularly those in the music industry, with the Roundhouse venue just down the road from the Stables Market. The late singer Amy Winehouse was known to frequent the markets and the nearby Hawley Arms pub. Amy tragically died in 2011, following a drugs overdose. A lifesize bronze statue of her was unveiled in 2014, on what would have been her 31st birthday, and stands in the middle of the Stables Market.
Whether you live in London, outside of, or if you’re an ex-Londoner, make sure you drop by Camden Market for a slice of retro culture.
References:
Carrier, D. (2018). Gentrification warning as Camden Town market revamp gets go-ahead. Available at: http://camdennewjournal.com/article/gentrification-warning-as-camden-town-market-revamp-gets-go-ahead
Savills’ (2013). The Camden Market. Available at: http://pdf.savills.com/documents/Camden_Market.pdf
