09 Jan Southwark Council Trades Wages for Wildlife
Park Expansion Set To Kill Local Businesses
Small Camberwell businesses will be forced to relocate from their current premises under new plans to extend Burgess Park, it has been confirmed.
Businesses operating in northern Southampton Street, including Steptoes and Sons reclamation centre, are to be forced out of their current lots to make way for an expansion of Burgess Park. A representative of Southwark Borough Council confirmed that, though negotiations are ongoing, the Council is prepared to use a CPO to force business owners to relocate.
Burgess Park, already the largest park in Southwark, is set for its second major refurbishment in five years following an £8 million renovation in 2012. These renovations include the repair of park infrastructure, but also include an expansion on to the territory of several local businesses. One business owner, who asked not to be named due to ongoing negotiations, stressed his frustration with the plans, calling them “ridiculous”. “I’ve got a young lad working here, his first job out of school. I’ll be fine, but what’ll he do now?”.
With youth joblessness rising dramatically in Camberwell, it’s a serious concern for many here in Southampton Street. For now, they face uncertain futures. They will, however, be able to enjoy a more spacious park experience.
