In the last couple of months, Surrey Street Market has been an absolute shambles with dwindling customers and now with the recent news that the market has closed. It has been assured that the market has only closed temporarily and will re-open again in early June. However, the market has now relocated to North End Croydon and has made it home for the next ten weeks. Stalls are now dotted around popular shops such as Next. The stalls line the street everywhere selling fresh fruit and vegetables that people would not normally get from this side of Croydon. However, the relocation of Surrey Street Market is blocking shoppers from reaching their clothing stores and are also annoying customers with the screaming of prices and fruit such as ‘fresh strawberries, get your fresh strawberries’. The market has moved because of the huge revamps taking place such as the new lights they are planning to fit in. However, after more than 700 years of trading, this seems like more evidence that the market is failing to attract the customers that it needs.

The revamp is supposed to turn things around but with the bustling excitement of Westfield, many people are wondering if there is a need for a market. The surrey street market abrupt moving has left many people suspicious and concerned about the future of this market. Can Surrey street market withstand the quick and abrupt changes imposed on it and a Westfield supermall just up the hill in the North End of Croydon?

By Diana Adebimpe, Sutton High School