It can be hard in London to view development and change without scepticism. Recent news of the Smithfield market closure, slated for 2028, in favour of some gaudy billion-pound mixed-used apartment office lifestyle retail “concept”, brings with it ennui; a vague but unthreatening sadness over some lost sliver of London.
Changes in south London in particular can feel stark. Cheaper land and rents than our north-of-the-river cousins mean ever more improbably planned buildings can shoot upwards with speed and unpredictability. Christ, just look at Croydon.
