Phew! Brixton saved from Piccadilly-Circus-style screens

Seven reasons we hated the plan

We have to admit that we’re putting journalistic impartiality on hold for this article.

Because all of us at LondonlovesBusiness.com are delighted to hear that plans to install massive LED advertising screens in the centre of Brixton, in the style of those at Piccadilly Circus, have been crushed by locals.

Zeo Holdings hatched the plan for 10 huge digital screens to be installed above KFC, opposite the Ritzy.

The company applied to Lambeth Council for planning permission, but luckily local blog Brixton Buzz spotted the application a mere day before the deadline for feedback from locals (click the link to see an image of how the screens would have looked).

And Brixton residents were so outraged that they submitted more than 400 objections to the plans in just one day!

In total, almost 700 comments were lodged about the advertising screens.

Now we’re pleased to report that Lambeth Council has rejected the application, as reported by Brixton Buzz and as per the council’s website.

Seven reasons we hated the plan

Three of our Brixton-loving editorial team explain our objections…

1. Harry Cockburn, senior reporter: Brixton isn’t about consumer culture like Piccadilly Circus is – it’s got an alternative heritage that should be celebrated, not glossed over.

2. Sophie Hobson, editor: Brixton has become vulnerable to a surge of large companies and developers taking over the area and pushing up property prices. That’s been squeezing out the small businesses that have always given the area its unique character and appeal. Having giant digital advertising screens splashed across the centre of town would only accelerate the decay of Brixton’s indy charm by purposefully trying to bring more big-brand money to the area.

3. Harry Cockburn: There’s already too many people in the town centre, and it sets the precedent for more ugly screens in the area.

4. Robyn Vinter, senior reporter: The buildings look lovely as they are – don’t cover them up!

5. Sophie Hobson: Brixton can feel like a bit of a hidden marvel if you’re new to London. The tourists who visit it are those determined to sniff out London’s independent food scene and discover the real London through grittier nightlife and messier markets. They are quite a different type of tourist to those content with doing the Big Ben/Buckingham Palace/Piccadilly Circus circuit, and that’s a good thing. There are different sides of London for different types of people. Turning Brixton into a mainstream tourist destination like Piccadilly Circus would kill its culture and charm.

6. Robyn Vinter: The central area just isn’t big enough to carry huge boards like those planned.

7. Harry Cockburn: They should sort out the traffic issues at the junction before they install screens. Surely these would just be a further distraction for drivers on an already chaotic junction.