As we said last summer when the news was first announced, fans of Boxpark and Pop Brixton will be all over Camden’s very own identikit version.
Buck Street Market will feature a similarly high quality food-and-drink offering (plus indie artisan retail outlets) and bring a touch of green to the area via rooftop garden and communal space.
In a nice local NW5 touch, these outdoor areas are being created in collaboration with Kentish Town Vegbox, the community-led veg box scheme, which will grow salad leaves and herbs as well as serving as a functional and educational community space.
It’s good that they’ve employed one of the original team, too. It’s 45 years since the inception of Camden Market itself and sceptics may be placated by the fact that its pioneering architect Eric Reynolds is again at the helm to revitalise the Buck Street site.
So why the vogue for reusable shipping containers? “They provide a quirky, cost effective and sustainable approach to building design,” he says, “and are a growing trend when looking at developing sites across London. Our designs for Buck Street are both an extension and evolution of the existing market site, and our work will showcase a new focal point for visitors to Camden.”
Located an avocado’s hurl – ahem – from Camden Town tube station, the new market will comprise 52 recycled shipping containers across three levels, promising “to visibly enhance” the local area. It’s certainly going to be worth a closer (and let’s hope leafier) look.