A much-loved north London market has reopened for the first time since it was forced to close in 2020 due to serious safety issues.
The site, which has served the local community for around 50 years, welcomed back traders this autumn after extensive work to make the area safe and create a new home for dozens of small businesses.
On Saturday 4 October, the reopening was marked with a special event attended by the Right Honourable David Lammy, MP for Tottenham, Deputy Mayor Joanne McCartney, representatives from Haringey Council, Places for London and community groups.
Forty new indoor and outdoor stalls have been built to traders’ specifications, along with a seating area, improved access routes and new customer facilities. Many of the returning traders will once again sell food, products and services from across the world — particularly South and Latin America — with the site also offering hairdressing, beauty treatments, legal advice and money transfer services.
The market had to close five years ago when surveys revealed the building was in a dangerous condition. Since then, Places for London, TfL’s property company, has worked with traders and the council to bring it back to life. The Mayor and TfL provided £2 million to support traders through the closure and help them restart their businesses.
Graeme Craig, Director and Chief Executive of Places for London, said: “Seven Sisters Market is a truly special location in this unique and important part of London. We are delighted to have now reopened the market, allowing the former traders to get back to serving the community they love. We have worked hard to retain the Latin American culture and vitality of the original market, while allowing it to operate safely again in new units.”
Seven Sisters Market. Image: Places for London
Vicky Alvarez, one of the returning traders, said: “The opening of the Seven Sisters Market marks a new chapter of growth and opportunity for the Latin American community. It is a testament to our resilience. We have worked very hard to continue, and we couldn’t be prouder to share these fantastic news that will empower and uplift our communities in Tottenham.”
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan added: “I am delighted to see the Seven Sisters market reopen, enabling traders to showcase their entrepreneurial spirit and bring a boost to the local economy. I am proud to have worked with TfL to have made £2million of funding available to traders to ensure that they were protected, and that the market’s truly unique atmosphere remains.”
Local MP David Lammy said: “It’s wonderful to see Seven Sisters Market reopened and being enjoyed by people from across the area and further afield. Thanks to Places for London’s consistent work and eagerness to listen to the traders and community over the years. I’m delighted to see this great market back open, providing so much to all who come to visit.”
Work is continuing to support traders as they settle into the new site, with reduced rents offered for the first 15 months and ongoing business support.
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