Business owners in Elephant and Castle, London’s Latino quarter, are expressing concerns about the future of their establishments as major developments take place in the area. The ongoing projects, which include the renovation of Elephant Park and the construction of a new town center, are expected to bring in new residential buildings, shops, cafes, and restaurants. However, amidst these changes, many authentic Latino businesses situated under the railway arches near Elephant and Castle train station are feeling uncertain about what lies ahead.
John Walteros, the owner of Elephant Coffee, has noticed a shift in his customer base due to the influx of construction workers in the area. He acknowledges that the evolving landscape may result in an increase in rent and potential competition from chain businesses like Costa and Starbucks. Despite the uncertainties, John remains optimistic about the positive impact the developments may bring to the community.
Gloria Storey, who operates a Colombian bakery called Chatica, views the area’s transformation as a positive development. She appreciates the improvements in Elephant and Castle, noting that the changes have made it a better place. Gloria believes that her bakery will benefit from the new offices being built in the area, as it will attract more customers seeking authentic Latin cuisine.
On the other hand, Nasly, a hairdresser working under the railway arches, expresses concerns about the future of businesses in the area. She fears that many establishments will be forced to relocate as the town center development progresses, leading to increased rents and potential closures. Nasly also highlights safety concerns in the neighborhood but remains hopeful that the presence of more police officers due to the developments could improve the situation.
The spokesperson for The Elephant town center development reassures the community that their vision includes preserving the vibrant community and heritage of the area. They emphasize their commitment to working with local businesses and residents to create a town center that meets the needs of the community. Additionally, Southwark Council’s Cabinet Member for New Homes & Sustainable Development, Cllr Helen Dennis, stresses the importance of maintaining and supporting local businesses in the midst of these changes.
Overall, the evolving landscape of Elephant and Castle raises questions about the preservation of the area’s Latino identity amidst corporate developments. While some business owners welcome the changes as opportunities for growth, others express concerns about the potential displacement of authentic establishments. It remains to be seen how the community will navigate these transitions and preserve the unique cultural identity of London’s Latino quarter amidst the ongoing developments.
