Brighton’s Open Market has lost another long-standing trader following a row over alleged disruption, dishonesty and dim sum.
The Century 18 Asian grocers stopped trading this month, saying it had faced rent hikes and a doubling of the service charge.
It also said market management stopped it selling its popular hot dim sum from February to April – putting a large dent in its income stream.
The market says it left because of rent arrears.
The closure follows the departure of The Fruit Bowl earlier this year following the market management’s decision to reduce core opening hours.
In a Facebook post, the store management said: “Since the new management took over, the atmosphere and running of the market have changed significantly.
“Unfortunately, ongoing management issues, disruption, dishonesty and Oppression and decisions that placed increasing pressure on small traders have made it harder and harder for our business to survive.
“The loss of our main income stream, combined with the rising costs and ongoing difficulties, created a domino effect. One problem led to another, and our financial situation became increasingly difficult to manage.
“Despite our best efforts to keep going, we have had to make this heart-breaking decision. After so many years of running the business, it’s hard to put into words how much heart and effort has gone into it. I know only too well.
“So, reaching this point has brought a mix of sadness and helplessness.”
An unnamed market spokesperson said: “For the last two years the business had struggled to pay its rent. Since the turn of the year the Market has tried to implement an agreeable payment plan to manage the arrears but the shop would not do so.”
The current directors of Brighton Open Market CIC are Luiza Costescu, Hayden Ferriby, Rosalind Gillies-Reyburn, Councillor Ty Goddard, Gregory Stanton and Vassoula Kypreos.
So the market management interfered in their ability to trade/make a living and then accused them of not paying the rent? Nasty. Why does it sound like they are trying to empty the unique Open market to flog it off for housing?
London Road used to be such a thriving shopping area.
I mean, maybe read the article…
I agree, when it was on the old site used to shop there every Saturday morning we used to drive in from Peacehaven after moving there in the early 90s. Then we went to the new site it was NOT a market any more just like a shopping mall stalls were not like before alot of them had not moved it was NOT allowed to open at 7.00am it just got to awkward to go shopping there no bargains as the holders trying to earn their new rent hike.
Been there a couple of times since there is no one there it should be heaving with Christmas coming up.
No where to park now shops in London Road gone along with red lines who can afford to go there especially disabled people.
You could very easily catch a bus.
Sure. With a load of shopping if they can manage to buy anything. Get real.
What is this obsession that the red route is responsible for closing a stall in the pedestrianised Open Market? I remember it having vehicular access but it wasn’t really for patrons. I now have mobility issues yet I can manage to get there via public transport. It takes me a long time and I have to stop and rest. Fortunately there are plenty of options in that respect.
With regards the restrictions on trade, that is concerning but I am sceptical that serving hot dim sum during the hottest season on record would have saved a struggling business. The adoption of a “head in the sand” approach to the arrears seems to have been a major contributory factor in the demise of this stall. Perhaps this attitude to adapting to changing circumstances also impacted?
February to April is not the hottest months, unless you live in Australia perhaps
There’s a secure multi-storey car park right behind London Road.
Sad story
Before they brought in the parking permits and ridiculous parking charges, I would be constantly be in London Road eating drinking coffee with my other mum friends taking our kids to the level and buying from the traders. The price of parking has pushed out anyone from surrounding areas, I tried to get a stall there once I rember how lax the management was and I got bored of chasing.
The business stopped selling their main product, and become unviable as a result. It was evicted after not paying rent.