West Hampstead traders unite over high-rise developments

Dozens of businesses will come together next week to voice their concerns about the impact developments will have on West Hampstead’s shopping district.

Traders will launch the West Hampstead Business Forum at a meeting on Wednesday (November 16), as developers prepare to submit plans to Camden Council for high-rise developments throughout the area.

Cllr Gillian Risso-Gill, who helped rally businesses, said independent shopkeepers need a united front as they face soaring rents.

“It’s to give businesses a voice in West Hampstead while all this intensification is going on. There are a number of residents associations but nothing for businesses.

“Individually businesses don’t have the time or resources, so maybe a collective might work,” she said.

She hopes the initiative will work on promoting events like the Christmas market.

Hampstead’s NW3 Traders and Camden Town Unlimited have been invited to give presentations about their initiatives at Emmanuel School hall on Wednesday (November 16) at 6pm.