More than 100 jobs could be lost at Tooting Market if Crossrail 2 comes to Tooting Broadway.

Last year the near century-old market, which hosts over 60 business and frequently holds charity events, was informed it would not be affected by the proposed rail route during a consultation with Transport for London.

However, market manager Roi Mengelgrein said he recently learned from TfL that the majority of the space would be subject to a compulsory purchase order if Crossrail 2 comes to the area- though TfL denies this.

Wandsworth Times:

The other choice for Crossrail 2 is Balham.

Tooting Market manager Roi Mengelgrein said: “It will cost half a billion more to build in Tooting Broadway.

“This is tax payers’ money and the Government needs to take the sensible option.”

Mr Mengeltgrein said people at the market were initially supportive of the plan, but that was when they believed the market would remain intact.

He said: “The consensus is that nobody would have agreed.

“It would rip the heart out of the community.

“These aren’t big businesses that can pick up and start somewhere else.

“It’s a disaster.”  

Michèle Dix, TfL's Managing Director for Crossrail 2, said: "It is essential that Crossrail 2 provides an interchange with the Northern line in south London to relieve congestion on one of the busiest parts of the Tube network.

“We’re absolutely committed to minimising disruption to the communities and businesses around Crossrail 2 stations.

“At this point in time, we have not confirmed whether Crossrail 2 would go to Tooting Broadway, or the space that might be needed in the market.

“We’ve had a number of conversations with Tooting Market management to understand more about their concerns and needs and how we could support them, if we go to Tooting Broadway.

“We’ll continue to work closely with the market, and others, as our work continues."

Dubbed south London’s original market, the community space is often used for pop-ups, cinema nights and is bustling with bars and eateries.

Messages of support for Tooting Market:

Founder of Tooting Daily PRSS Sam Williams said: “Tooting Market is a vital community hub and central to making the town of Tooting what it is- a wonderfully diverse, vibrant and progressive area with a buzzing social scene.

“For it to be severely scaled back or even wiped out by any development for Crossrail 2, would be devastating for the local area.”

A local resident said: “It is vital for the fabric of Tooting that the market is allowed to continue to flourish.

“And while I wholeheartedly back Crossrail 2 coming to Tooting, I believe the project should be completed without compromising the activities of Tooting Market.”

To sign the petition 'Save Tooting Market': https://www.change.org/p/tooting-market-management-save-tooting-market-don-t-allow-crossrail-2-to-compulsory-purchase-any-of-tooting-market

Let me know your view: grainne.cuffe@london.newsquest.co.uk