London's Queensway Market to close, displacing decades-old small businesses
Queensway Market in central London will close later this year, forcing out dozens of small businesses. The site is set to be replaced by an Amazon-owned Whole Foods Market. Traders now face eviction after decades of serving the local community. The market has housed around 40 family-run businesses since the 1990s. Among them is Esam Ibrahim, who has sold high-quality fabrics for traditional dresses and sarees since 2015. Luai Gabani, another long-standing trader, has operated a tech repair shop and a small mosque there for 24 years.
George Cubillos, who runs the Latin Centre charity from the market, has worked for 22 years supporting refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants. He has been leading efforts to keep the market open and secured temporary extensions for some traders. Gabani received an extension until November but doubts he will find a new space. Mostafa Lotfi, a Persian carpet specialist with 14 years at the market, fears the closure will erase cultural diversity. The landlord, Bourne Capital, has not responded to requests for comment.
The market’s shutdown will end decades of trade for many small businesses. Traders like Gabani, Ibrahim, and Lotfi must now relocate or close permanently. The site will soon become part of a larger commercial development led by Whole Foods Market.
