An abandoned market in south London is set to reopen this summer after standing empty for five years. Model Market at Lewisham Shopping Centre, which closed in 2021, will become a "vibrant all-day hub" for trading, dining and socialising.
German Kraft Confirmed as Operator
German Kraft brewery, originally founded in 2017 at an Elephant and Castle food market, has been confirmed as the operator for the site. The brewery will select the street food traders, which will be announced in due course, and also trade at the site selling its craft beer from a taproom.
Felix Bollen, co-founder of German Kraft and MOSAIK, said they will be "continuing the community social hub we ran in Elephant and Castle over the last nine years."
History of Model Market
The Model Market has a long history, having been a hub for small traders until the 2000s. In 2014 it reopened as a popular street food market, but it closed in September 2021 after its operator Street Feast collapsed. Images on the developer's site show the dilapidated units have been overrun by plants and weeds after going unused for five years.
Regeneration Plans
The developer LandSec, which is also developing 1,700 new homes, will turn it into a hub for "independent kitchens, local makers and creative spaces." The new design will give nods to the original 1950s market heritage, preserving the "distinctive architecture and time-worn charm." Customers can expect live DJ sets at the venue, as well as pop-ups, events, and cultural programmes that "celebrate the intersection of food, art, and community."
The wider regeneration proposals were shaped by three years of public engagement, including a revived shopping centre with more shops, cafes, restaurants, a live music venue, new housing, a street-food market, park and community spaces.
Construction Underway
LandSec are now accepting bids from dining and retail operators at Model Market as construction is underway, with a focus on small-scale traders. Paul Redden, centre director at Lewisham Shopping Centre, said: "We’re incredibly excited to be partnering with German Kraft to bring the new Model Market to Lewisham. German Kraft’s proven track record operating vibrant, successful venues means they know how to create an environment that’s welcoming, energetic, and full of character. We can’t wait to see it all come to life when the Model Market officially opens."
