Work begins to allow market traders to return to Wards Corner

Work is underway to create a temporary market with both indoor and outdoor spaces at Wards Corner in Seven Sisters, heralding a new beginning for traders who will soon be able to return to the site after three years.

Seven Sisters Market closed in March 2020 and was not able to re-open when the pandemic restrictions were lifted because of health and safety concerns with the building.

As a result, work has begun on a the temporary replacement indoor market space which will house around 20 traders in vacant retail units owned by TfL next to the existing market, along with a community space. 

This will primarily include spaces for professional services, retail and hair/beauty salon uses. The temporary outdoor market space, which will host around 20 food and beverage traders as well as retail, is also being brought forward to the rear on a vacant plot acquired from Grainger by Haringey Council.

The council has been acquiring land previously in private ownership putting it in a unique position to implement a new public sector-led approach to improve and invest in Wards Corner and reconfirms the council’s commitment to the Community Plan.

Cllr Ruth Gordon, Cabinet Member for House Building, Placemaking and Development said:

“This is great news. I’m delighted work has begun on site enabling the traders to return.

“The temporary market is just a start, and a fantastic example of the public sector working together, so that it can be at the heart of the community in Seven Sisters. It is vital the market’s future, and the Wards Corner site is driven forward by the community.

“We are committed to doing things differently and doing things together. We will seek to engage and work with residents, businesses and local partners on a new design for the area that complements the longer terms plans of TfL to bring forward a new market at Seven Sisters, with the community at its heart.”

Graeme Craig, Director and Chief Executive Officer at TfL’s wholly owned commercial property company, said:

“We are very pleased that work on site is now underway to deliver new temporary market space at Seven Sisters. We are keen to see traders of Seven Sisters Market able to operate safely again as soon as possible and these works will enable them to reopen their businesses to the public by the end of the year. This is only the first stage in a programme that will see TfL working closely with traders, the Council and others to create an asset for the community that will reflect and enhance this unique part of London.”

TfL’s wholly owned commercial property company is bringing forward these temporary market spaces, working with traders, the local community and stakeholders. TfL is hoping to complete work on the indoor and outdoor market spaces, which received planning permission in 2022 and 2023 respectively, by the end of this year.