Emerging in late 2023, Protect our Places (POP) is a coalition of ten campaigns, organisations and communities based across London. Learn more about each of our members at the bottom of this page.

We are dedicated to preserving the vibrant essence of our beloved town centres and markets, and to protecting these diverse spaces from gentrification. London’s true richness lies not in the coffers of offshore and speculative developers and investors, but in the mosaic of people, places, heritages and cultures that define us.

The markets and retail sites at the centre of our campaigns are some of our communities’ important social and cultural spaces, especially for those facing ongoing and insidious marginalisation, racialisation and exclusion. They are proudly Black and racially diverse; working-class; diasporic and intergenerational. In each of these spaces, we can gather together in strength, unity and compassion.

Our work is, thus, an act of collective care and solidarity, both within our respective communities and across London. Although we face distinct challenges and contexts, we share a common goal: to develop an alternative, community-led approach to urban change in London — one which protects our town centres, markets, high streets and key community spaces from speculative development, and protects our communities from displacement, erasure and further marginalisation. Together, we strive to create a London where the voices of its communities are prioritised over those of commercial interests.

Below, you’ll find more information about our work, as well as updates and resources, such as policy or planning application consultation responses and workshop video recordings.

POP is convened by Latin Elephant and funded through Trust for London’s Racial Justice Fund.

Would you like to connect with us? Email sarah@latinelephant.org.