Camden Town fire - media information
Date: 12/02/2008
Following a serious fire in Camden Town on Saturday 9 February 2008 Camden Council continues to work with all those affected to ensure everything is being done to help them at this difficult time.
Eighty percent of Camden Market is now back in business today (12 February 2008). Although Canal Market remains closed as a result of the fire, 400 units in Stables Market opposite are open for business as usual.
Commenting on the offer of a recovery package from the Mayor of London, a spokesperson for Camden Council said:
“We met with the London Development Agency (LDA) today (12 February 2008) to discuss what we can do to get the Canal Street Market back on its feet and trading again as quickly as possible.” (1)
Background information:
Businesses
The Council has now taken the site from London Fire Brigade and the clean-up operation has begun.
The Council’s building control team have been on-site since Sunday (10 February) assessing the safety of buildings with fire officials.
The affected area is the relatively small area known as Canal Street Market owned by Camden Market Holding. We are working closely with them to provide as much support and assistance as possible with the aim of getting Canal Street Market back in business as soon as possible.
The fire has badly damaged about six shops and the flats above them in Chalk Farm Road, the market stalls behind the shops, and the Hawley Arms pub.
Ninety stalls have been damaged, but 35 of those have extensive damage.
G-Heaven (no. 7-8) and Concession shop (no. 9) Chalk Farm Road, have been demolished.
The Camden Lock Market is now open again for business, with only a slightly limited service. Access to Camden Lock Market is via the canal into the West Yard. The Stables Market area remains open as are the 250 shops on Camden High Street.
The Council arranged a meeting for businesses on Sunday (10 February) to offer support and advice for those affected and to give businesses the latest update regarding buildings affected by the blaze.
About 25 businesses attended the meeting at the town hall and issues discussed included access to properties, security of properties and goods, business rate relief and insurance and legal advice. (2)
The Council held a further meeting on 11 February at the town hall to discuss what additional support and help can be given to businesses affected (1).
Alternative space has been found in other markets for some businesses and we would ask that they contact Larry Wilks on 020 7974 1254 for more information.
The Council will continue to work with businesses over the coming days and weeks.
Evacuees
Several residents were evacuated from their homes and in response the Council set up a rest centre at Talacre Sports Centre offering a warm and dry place to stay with refreshments, blankets and beds. Nearly 30 people came to the centre between Saturday night and Sunday morning and 19 of those were taken to a nearby hotel for the night.
The centre was re-opened on Sunday afternoon but closed at 7pm after we were satisfied everyone affected had found alternative accommodation.
We are pleased to say that all those who are unable to return home have found alternative accommodation with friends or family.
The Council's website will be regularly updated throughout the day.
-END-
Notes to Editors:
Members of the media can contact the Council’s press office during normal office hours on 020 7974 5717 or for urgent out of office press enquiries call 07901 554530.
West Area Police Press Office can be contacted on 020 8358 0391 (50391). London Fire Brigade press office can be contacted on 020 8555 1200.
Camden Market Holdings, which owns the affected Canal Street Market, can be contacted on 07961578401.
(1) For further information around the Mayor of London’s proposals contact Jonathan Edwards at the Mayor of London's Press Office on: 020 7983 4337. Mob: 07825 781 014.
Talacre Sports Centre is located in Dalby Street, near Chalk Farm, NW5.
The Council is unable to give a figure for the number of people evacuated from their homes due to many people not making themselves known to the Council as they went to stay with friends or family.
The evacuees were put up at Waverley House Hotel in Southampton Row, WC1.
Camden Town Unlimited was appointed by the business community to improve Camden Town as a place to work, live and visit.
(2) The meeting was chaired by the Camden Council’s Chief Executive Moira Gibb, Deputy Leader of the Council Cllr Andrew Marshall, Camden Police Borough Commander Dominic Clout and a representative from London Fire Brigade.
(3) The meeting was attended by Council representatives, Camden Town Unlimited, Camden Markets Holdings, and the Association of British Insurers.
Ref Code: 020 7974 5717
Contact:
Page last updated Dec 15, 2008 10:38 AM
Contact Camden 020 7974 4444