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Fears market could be swallowed up
Haringey Independent (Thursday 27th September 2007)


 * THE future of a Latin American indoor market in Seven Sisters is to be the focus of a meeting between concerned stall holders, residents and councillors next week.

Wards Corner, an area encompassing West Green Road, High Road, Sevens Sisters Road including the Underground station and Suffield Road, has been earmarked for redevelopment since 2004. It is due to be the subject of a formal planning application by preferred developer Grainger in November. || || The former Wards department store, which now houses the market, is recognised in Haringey Council's development brief as having 'architectural merit', but stall holders are worried that it will not be retained in Grainger's plans for the site, which currently include 180 residential units, 50,000 sq ft of retail and leisure units, plus a public square.

Market trader Victoria Alvarez said: "If they want to redevelop the area, we're not against that, but we don't see the need for them to knock down the market. We have been talking to residents in the area and they are very keen for us to stay here."

Wendy Keenan, of the Fountain Area Residents Association, added: "We want to support the market traders, and the building is very beautiful. There are eight atriums and it is a beautiful indoor market. It is not in the best shape so restoration would be good, but what we are concerned about is losing the building entirely."

Although it does not own the land, the council is working with various partners to tackle high levels of crime in the area and make residents feel safer through regeneration.

Wayne Hoban, Liberal Democrat councillor for regeneration, said: "Lib Dems are committed to work with residents and stakeholders to effectively address their concerns regarding this development. It is crucial the redeveloped Wards Corner is identified as an asset to the area rather than another faceless development. The area's outstanding architectural heritage must be protected."

A council spokesman said a planning application had not yet been submitted and any redevelopment was a long way off.

He said: "Members of Haringey's planning sub-committee will carefully consider the merits of the planning application before any decision is made." David Walters, development director at Grainger, said the company's own consultations had shown mixed feelings toward the market and that many of those living nearby were not in favour of it. He pledged to work with stall holders to discuss their opinions and eventual relocation of their businesses.

A stakeholder meeting is to take place on Wednesday at 7pm, at Mango, High Road, Tottenham.