A food hall at the heart of a South London community will be bulldozed to make way for almost 900 homes in tower blocks up to 44 storeys high. The controversial Borough Triangle development, which covers an area the size of one and a half football pitches, was narrowly approved by councillors at a Southwark planning meeting on Wednesday evening, March 26, 2025.
The development will lead to the demolition of several buildings, including the 100-year-old Institute of Optometry and the Mercato Metropolitano food court, which has been a staple of the community for the past nine years. While a replacement food hall is planned, most of the 40 traders with stalls in Mercato Metropolitano will have to seek alternative arrangements during construction. Up to 12 of these traders will be rehoused in a temporary nearby location by Berkeley Homes while the new food hall is built.
In addition to residential units, the development will include an office block, flexible café or retail space, and a new community center, which is expected to be occupied by a Latin American group. The project aims to create 1,780 square meters of public space, enhancing the overall environment of the area.
However, the approval of the Borough Triangle development has not been without controversy. Nina Wessel, a local resident, expressed her concerns regarding the closure of Mercato Metropolitano, stating, "Over the last nine years this market has become the heart of our community. It now attracts over 600,000 yearly visitors, provides safe and inclusive spaces and offers activities for children and adults alike. The traders provide jobs, support families and sustain the local economy. This isn't just a market. It's a key reason people want to live here."
On the other hand, some traders, like Andrea Ferrario, who runs the German Kraft Brewery stall, voiced support for the development. He noted that the current short-term leases at Mercato Metropolitano do not provide enough time for vendors to establish their businesses. Ferrario argued that a new food hall with longer leases would offer better security and help build a more stable clientele.
The development plans include 892 flats, with 230 designated as affordable housing, which is defined as up to 80% of local market rates. Additionally, 153 of these will be social rent homes. This amounts to 35% affordable housing, which aligns with the council's policy. However, critics have pointed out that only 13% of the new flats will have three bedrooms or more, falling short of the council's requirement for a minimum of 20%. Nonetheless, over two-thirds of the 153 social flats will have three bedrooms or more.
Victor Chamberlain, a Liberal Democrat councillor for the area, criticized the amount of affordable housing in the development, calling it "unacceptable." He highlighted the stark reality of housing prices in the area, stating, "In SE1, the average one-bed sells for £659,000. At a shared ownership affordable rate, that would still be £527,000. That is 16 times the average salary of a Southwark worker - completely out of range for the vast majority. It is a wasted opportunity on one of the last few major sites in SE1."
Despite the opposition, Berkeley Homes, the developer, has defended the project. An official from the company stated that the Borough Triangle development would create a "thriving, diverse and welcoming neighborhood with world-class architecture." In response to community feedback, Berkeley has made adjustments to the plans, including reducing the height of the tallest two buildings by a net six storeys and adding 54 more social rented homes, as well as tripling the number of four-bedroom social rent homes.
The planning committee's approval was a close call, with councillors voting four to three in favor of the plans. Those in support included councillors Kath Whittam, Gavin Edwards, Esme Hicks, and Richard Livingstone, while Nick Johnson, Darren Merrill, and Reginald Popoola voted against, all representing Labour except for Johnson, who is from the Liberal Democrats.
Councillor Helen Dennis, Southwark's Cabinet Member for New Homes, emphasized the urgent need for affordable housing in the area. She stated, "We urgently need more affordable homes for local people and despite the many complexities around this site, I am pleased we have secured a policy-compliant affordable housing offer – at 35% affordable including 25% social rent homes. The development will also deliver a 5,000 square foot new community centre earmarked for the Latin American community and a new home for Mercato Metropolitano."
As the project moves forward, a £200,000 business relocation fund has been established by Berkeley to assist the 423 workers who will be affected by the demolition, including food court traders and employees from the London School of Musical Theatre, the Institute of Optometry, and a vehicle hire firm.
Construction is set to begin in 2026, with completion anticipated in 2034. While the development promises new housing and community spaces, it also raises significant questions about the impact on existing residents and the local economy.
As Southwark continues to grapple with its housing crisis, the Borough Triangle development stands as a contentious example of the balancing act between urban development and community preservation. The loss of beloved local establishments like Mercato Metropolitano may leave a lasting mark on the neighborhood, even as new structures rise to meet the growing demand for housing.
