A bid to have Shepherd’s Bush Market in west London listed as an asset of community value (ACV) has been turned down by Hammersmith and Fulham Council. The application, submitted earlier this year by Friends of Shepherd’s Bush Market, sought to protect the historic market’s future following approval of major redevelopment plans from developer Yoo Capital.
The Friends group argued that ACV status would be a vital step toward potential community ownership, amid fears that Yoo Capital could eventually sell the site. The developer, however, denied any plans to dispose of the market and said its redevelopment would focus on “preserving the market’s heritage and securing its future.”
The group’s concerns centre on what they see as the “gentrification” of the area and a loss of cultural identity. Supporters claim the redevelopment risks diluting the market’s long-standing social and economic significance.
In contrast, the Shepherd’s Bush Market Tenants’ Association, which says it represents most of the traders, supported Yoo Capital’s vision and accused the Friends group of obstructing much-needed investment. The association described the ACV application as “another PR stunt and attempt to delay and frustrate the process of moving forward.”
Hammersmith and Fulham Council rejected the application on the grounds that it “fails to demonstrate why the markets are considered to be ‘social interests’ and not standard retail services.” It also noted that the proposed listing mistakenly included land belonging to Transport for London.
Atila Kirilov, a tenant and spokesperson for the Friends group, said they were “deeply disappointed” that the council “has sided with billionaire developers.” The campaign group Protect Our Places also criticised the decision, claiming it showed “a clear disregard” for the market’s cultural, social and economic role.
Yoo Capital’s redevelopment plans for the market, which runs between Goldhawk Road and Uxbridge Road, include new stalls, 40 council homes at the neighbouring Old Laundry Yard, a nine-storey commercial building, and aesthetic improvements such as new signage and entrances. The company told the Local Democracy Reporting Service it intends to begin construction in early to mid-2026, pledging to “work closely” with traders, customers and residents to shape the market’s revival.
