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POP response to GLA Consultation: Towards a New London Plan

POP response to GLA Consultation: Towards a New London Plan

by Latin Elephant | Jul 31, 2025 | Protect Our Places

In our response to the GLA consultation on the next London Plan, Protect Our Places makes clear that London needs a plan for Londoners, not for developers. The POP response to the GLA Consultation (‘Towards a New London Plan’), builds on our collective...
Know Your Rights Training with Southwark Law Centre

Know Your Rights Training with Southwark Law Centre

by Latin Elephant | Jun 3, 2025 | Protect Our Places

Jed Holloway (Solicitor, Planning Voice, Southwark Law Centre) joined Protect Our Places (POP) on 28 May 2025 for a ‘Know Your Rights’ training for market traders and community members. This training focused on what rights market traders and local,...
‘Relocation Impact Assessment’: Latin Elephant’s latest report

‘Relocation Impact Assessment’: Latin Elephant’s latest report

by Latin Elephant | Apr 29, 2025 | Publications

This report aims to collect quantitative and qualitative data regarding the traders in the context of regeneration in Elephant & Castle at four years of the relocation process. We hope that this research will create awareness and visibility around the connection...
POP Evidence Informs New London Assembly Report on Social Value

POP Evidence Informs New London Assembly Report on Social Value

by Latin Elephant | Apr 29, 2025 | Protect Our Places

The London Assembly Planning and Regeneration Committee recently published a report highlighting that existing social value, provided by and embedded within London’s existing places and spaces (e.g., in arch-based businesses and markets), is still too often neglected...
POP Objection to Berkeley Homes Aylesham Centre Redevelopment

POP Objection to Berkeley Homes Aylesham Centre Redevelopment

by Latin Elephant | Apr 28, 2025 | Protect Our Places

URGENT UPDATE FROM AYLESHAM COMMUNITY ACTION: The Aylesham Centre Planning Committee is taking place on Tuesday July 15 at 6:30pm at Southwark Council’s office (160 Tooley St, London SE1 2QH). There will be room for the public in the committee room. We need to show...
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Latin Elephant

latinelephant

Promoting participation, engagement and inclusion of Black and minoritised Londoners in processes of urban change

Following the statement released by evicted Castle Following the statement released by evicted Castle Square traders on why the @wearegetliving & @savills payment plan is unworkable, lets get into the nitty gritty of the @southwarkcouncil statement, and the bigger picture in Elephant and Castle ⬆️

#developers #landlords #gentrification #displacement #smallbusiness
🔔 Castle Square Trader Evictions Update 16/10 🔔 

"We, the evicted traders of Castle Square, have received a 12-month repayment plan from our landlord, Get Living, but the terms leave us in a worryingly vulnerable position: 

- The highest bills come with repayments we simply can't afford

- We've only been offered tenancies at will, meaning we could be evicted again at any time

- We’ve had zero access to billing breakdowns, so we can’t verify the charges

- Worst of all, there’s no guarantee we’ll get a place in the new development — despite earlier promises

This statement is a call for workable terms, not a PR quick fix. We’re not asking for special treatment, just a fair deal so small businesses like ours can survive. Diana Sach deserves the same.Thank you for your continued support it makes all the difference"

@comaybebalondon 
@kaieteurkitchenoriginal 
@theoriginalcaribbeanspice 
@daddyosuyaspot 
@el_guambra_
⚡Protest the Elephant & Castle Evictions⚡

🕚Saturday 18th October, 1pm
📍Castle Square (40 Elephant Rd, SE17 1EU)

In the last few months TEN former Elephant and Castle Shopping Centre traders, all first generation migrant business owners, and many older women, have been evicted from their relocation units (Castle Square and Elephant Arcade) – intended to be an opportunity to grow their business as part of developer Get Living and Southwark Council's 'regeneration' of the area.

With no plans yet released about what is available for these traders in the new development, the future remains uncertain for all. 

Southwark Council has responded to your public pressure on the Castle Square evictions (well done!) – but the result still leaves these traders in a vulnerable and worrying position, and excludes 1 trader all together.

Join us and traders to:

📢 Protest the pattern of evictions, displacement and poor treatment of former EC shopping centre traders

📢 Demand improved terms for evicted Castle Square traders 

📢 Demand all former shopping centre traders are consulted NOW on upcoming plans for the new development 

@daddyosuyaspot
@kaieteurkitchenoriginal
@theoriginalcaribbeanspice
@el_guambra_
@comaybebalondon
@betta.fashion_ 
@meklitfashion 
@toyinadeyemi1952
THANK YOU! ❤️🥹 We are filled with gratitu THANK YOU! ❤️🥹 

We are filled with gratitude and thanks for your beautiful show of generosity, solidarity and support for the Castle Square traders currently evicted from their shops.

Sharing some of the comments - and apologies if we missed any!

We will keep you updated with the traders decision on legal action and the direction of the fundraiser as soon as it becomes clear, later this week. 

Thank you @fulamusu22 and @khadijah_munu
for your amazing work sharing the fundraiser - Elephant community in action!
🔔 Castle Square Trader Evictions Update 🔔 I 🔔 Castle Square Trader Evictions Update 🔔

In response to Southwark Council's statement shared on Instagram on 10/10/25, the traders' want to share the following update:

"We, the evicted Castle Square traders, still haven’t received a formal offer from Get Living confirming we have 12 months to repay our electricity arrears. While community pressure has pushed the council to secure an improved deal, it's not a victory yet—we still need to see the full terms. Once we do, we’ll update you.

It’s also worth noting that Diana Sach from Coma y Beba has been left out of this offer. This is unjust, and we stand with her for equal treatment.
Thank you all for your continued support. We couldn’t do it without you.

Diana, Faye, Laroma, Marcia, Ola, Steven"

@comaybebalondon 
@kaieteurkitchenoriginal 
@theoriginalcaribbeanspice 
@daddyosuyaspot 
@el_guambra_
DONATE TO EVICTED CASTLE SQUARE BUSINESSES 💗 T DONATE TO EVICTED CASTLE SQUARE BUSINESSES 💗

Thank you you all the concerned supporters calling for a fundraiser for evicted Castle Square businesses - this is now LIVE! 💸

#gentrification #fundraiser #elephantandcastle #reelsinstagram #savesmallbusinesses
WE GO AGAIN! ⚡Protest the Castle Square Evicti WE GO AGAIN! 

⚡Protest the Castle Square Evictions 2.0⚡

🕚Saturday 4th October, 11am-3pm (drop-in)
📍Castle Square (40 Elephant Rd, SE17 1EU)

Join Castle Square traders @daddyosuyaspot @kaieteurkitchenoriginal @theoriginalcaribbeanspice @el_guambra_ @comaybebalondon outside their closed shops in solidarity, and also protest the pattern of evictions and poor treatment of Elephant traders - such as at Elephant Arcade!

We'll bring placards & our banner - tell the Landlord /Developer @wearegetliving/ management @savills /Council @southwarkcouncil what you think of them! And what we want – protection and respect for our traders! 💜
⚡Protest the Castle Square Evictions - TODAY!⚡ ⚡Protest the Castle Square Evictions - TODAY!⚡

🕚Thursday 2nd October, 11am-7pm (drop-in)
📍Castle Square (40 Elephant Rd, SE17 1EU)

Join Castle Square traders @kaieteurkitchenoriginal @theoriginalcaribbeanspice @daddyosuyaspot @el_guambra_ @comaybebalondon outside their closed shops in solidarity, and also protest the pattern of evictions and poor treatment of local independent traders - such as those from Elephant Arcade!

We’ll be making placards on-site — tell the Landlord /Developer @wearegetliving, management @savills and Council @southwarkcouncil what you think of them! And what you want for the businesses! 

Amazing to see the outpouring of love and support for traders on socials, will be powerful for those who can make it to see you in person  today ❤️🔥
🚨TRADERS NEED OUR SUPPORT!🚨 Faye @kaieteurk 🚨TRADERS NEED OUR SUPPORT!🚨

Faye @kaieteurkitchenoriginal and Laroma @theoriginalcaribbeanspice are among the 4 traders at Castle Square who have have been evicted this morning, and they are asking for our support ✊ 

Write to your local Southwark councillors & MP, and traders’ councillors (North Walworth) and MP (Peckham) and demand accountability from landlord/developer @wearegetliving and management @savills. These evictions make a mockery of the @southwarkcouncil endorsed regeneration which promised to protect independent traders!

Let’s share this video widely!🤳

Five long-standing #elephantandcastle businesses have now been closed in just over a month on this relocation site 

 #gentrification #southwark #elephantandcastle
🚨UPDATE🚨 The four Castle Square traders fea 🚨UPDATE🚨

The four Castle Square traders fearing eviction have been locked out of their @castlesquarelondon shops by landlord/developer @wearegetliving and management @savills . Five long-standing #elephantandcastle businesses have now been closed in just over a month on this relocation site 

 #foryou #gentrification #reelsinstagram
Standing in solidarity with the Elephant Arcade tr Standing in solidarity with the Elephant Arcade traders as they face eviction today. Their requests are clear: support in finding affordable units to continue their livelihoods.

#SupportLocal #ElephantArcade #CommunityFirst #Reels #latinelephant
For one night only…

✨ Latin Elephant Cinema ✨

Join us & friends for a selection of shorts that showcase Latine London, plus conversation with Latine creatives and delicious refreshments at one of Elephant’s best community cafes @electricelephantcafe 💜 

Plus:
Bordando London Exhibition
Q&A
Creche

📆Saturday 20th September, 4-8pm
📍 Electric Elephant Cafe
📍 186A Crampton St (SE17 3AE)

FREE but ticketed. Link in bio! 🎟️ 

Part of Elephant Memory Club at Electric Elephant Cafe
🐘 Volunteer Call Out 🐘 We're looking for a 🐘 Volunteer Call Out 🐘

We're looking for a passionate volunteer with some experience of social media management to join our team 💕 

Tasks include: 

- Create a social media calendar 

- Design & schedule weekly posts to increase engagement 

- Produce creative content (including video & copy) about spatial & racial justice in Elephant & Castle & London 

- Development of a consistent visual style and identity 

Interested? Get in touch with sophie@latinelephant.org by midnight Monday 18th August
Despite the smiles in the photos, this is an incre Despite the smiles in the photos, this is an incredibly stressful and demoralising time for Elephant Arcade traders facing eviction at the end of August. Their asks are simple – for Southwark Council to: 

⏰Delay their eviction date 

🏬 Identify alternative affordable units so they can continue trading 

Last week traders organised & met with their local MP @coyleneilmp to share these asks, hoping his political support can get them closer to the solutions Southwark are currently resistant to. 

The week before traders shared their experience of 'regeneration' in Elephant & Castle with sixth-form students visiting to learn more about the importance and value of centring community perspectives in their research. 

It's emotionally taxing for traders but they are determined to fight to stay in the area they've invested so time, money & care in.
Gracias to all who formed part of our embroidery w Gracias to all who formed part of our embroidery workshops for Latin American-identifying women 🪡🌾💮 a  collaboration between the brilliant Helen Gutierrez (PhD student at Queen Mary University of London) and Latin Elephant. 

From March to July, we held 10 community embroidery workshops – the majority at Hotel Elephant's St John's Studio – exploring the different ways that we connect to nature in London. Some of the themes that we talked include how we understand and define nature, what our experiences have been accessing nature here in London and back home (wherever that may be), and how we approach rest. 

Together, we’ve carved out a space on Saturdays where we come together to stitch, laugh, talk, and connect with one another. We’re hoping to share what everybody has made with you all soon.... stay tuned! 👀
🔔 COMMUNITY CALL OUT🔔 PRO-BONO COMMERCIAL P 🔔 COMMUNITY CALL OUT🔔

PRO-BONO COMMERCIAL PROPERTY LEGAL INFORMATION NEEDED

We are seeking information from a commercial property solicitor to help us & Elephant Arcade traders better understand the eviction notice delivered to them

Pls share! Ty 🙏

If this is you and you have the skills and the time drop us a DM or email sophie@latinelephant.org ❤️

More info: https://southwarknews.co.uk/area/elephant-and-castle/traders-evicted-from-elephant-and-castle-shopping-arcade-as-private-landlord-hands-back-control-of-struggling-retail-space-to-southwark-council/
📣WE’VE GOT A NEW MURAL IN ELEPHANT AND CASTLE 📣WE’VE GOT A NEW MURAL IN ELEPHANT AND CASTLE!!

🎨🖌️Residents, visitors and community members can now enjoy this beautiful mural at La Bodeguita Deli, painted by young artis Carlos @moya___studio supported by collective @bomgo.cic 

🫂Thanks to attendees who joined us last Saturday’s mural unveiling and Walking Tour! Thanks for the free-flowing chats about the impact of regeneration in #ElephantAndCastle, why public art matters and the importance of Latin American culture locally. Also thanks to Carlos and Diana who both very sweetly expressed their mutual appreciation to one another, and for the opportunity. 

☕️🥟We also enjoyed delicious juice, coffee and empanadas from Bodeguita Deli and buñuelos from Distriandina for our early bird walkers!!

👀Stay tuned for our next tour!!
* UPCOMING LEGAL WORKSHOP * for London’s market * UPCOMING LEGAL WORKSHOP * for London’s market traders and community members.
📅 Wednesday 28 May 2025
📍 ONLINE via Zoom: link in bio to register
✨Any questions? Email sarah@latinelephant.org ahead of the workshop

💥Important Info: 
Across London, markets and affordable retail spaces are being threatened by speculative development. But the planning process is convoluted, and it’s not always clear what rights market traders and community members can use to contest displacement and gentrification. 

As part of our work convening the Protect Our Places (POP) coalition, we are putting on a workshop with Jed Holloway (Planning Solicitor at Southwark Law Centre) about the rights that market traders have under the planning process. Topics include: protections for traders under the London Plan vs local plans and the Public Sector Equality Duty. 

Please share! 💛
🚶🏽‍♀️☕️WALKING TOUR + NEW MURAL! 🎨🐘

Join us Saturday 31st May at 10.45am for a special edition of the Walking the Elephant featuring the unveiling of a NEW MURAL!

📌Meeting point will be Bodeguita Delicatessen (Unit 3, Dashwood Studios, 118 Walworth Rd, London SE17 1JY)

You’ll witness the unveiling of a brand new mural from young artist Carlos Moya @moya___studio 🤩

If you come along you’ll also...

🐘Learn about Elephant’s recent past, present & future through an anti-gentrification lens

🛍️Discover local small businesses

🫓 Enjoy a complimentary treat from some of our local traders

Don ‘t miss out! Nos vemos!

(Funded by National Lottery Fund)
Our latest report is out!! 📣 ‘Relocation Imp Our latest report is out!! 📣

‘Relocation Impact Assessment’ aims to collect quantitative and qualitative data regarding the traders in the context of regeneration in #elephantandcastle at four years of the relocation process. 

We hope that this research will create awareness and visibility around the connection between regeneration, and the displacement of migrant and ethnic businesses, and the disproportionate effects it has on the local community 💪🏽

Link in bio for the full report 📄

Big thanks to our volunteers Gabriela & Nicolás for their amazing contributions to the design, format and infographics 💕
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