Finn Brewster Doherty is moving the Camden Open Air Gallery

ONE of Camden Town’s cornerstone businesses is quitting the high street and heading to Shoreditch – because its owner says the Town Hall have “wonky priorities” when it comes to protecting and enhancing NW1.

In a blow to Camden Town’s claims to be a hotbed of culture, the Camden Open Air Gallery, which specializes in contemporary art works, is closing for good on Saturday.

Owner Finn Brewster Doherty told the New Journal that crime, anti-social behaviour and a pedestrianization scheme have meant his business is no longer viable – and with a heavy heart, he is waving goodbye.

Mr Brewster Doherty said: “I do not think people really understand the dodginess that goes on – and that is why we are leaving.”

Mr Brewster Doherty’s family has long been involved in the success of the high street. His mother, Karen Doherty, ran the famous Camden Brasserie for many years. Mr Brewster Doherty opened the gallery in 2021 and has exhibited works by critically acclaimed street artists.

He said: “Camden Town is a place that has lost too much. It used to have so much on offer that was different, but now it has become so generic.”

He added that a mixture of street crime and traders selling counterfeit goods had taken its toll.

The Town Hall announced last year it was closing the high street to traffic as part of a trial – and Mr Brewster Doherty said this has also caused problems.

He said: “Pedestrian­isation is the biggest opportunity Camden has ever had – and they have missed it. They could have used it to do something about the core issues, which are counterfeit trading and drug dealing. They could have created a street that genuinely thrives, given shops more space to trade outside, spent more on clearing up the rubbish, genuinely enforced rules,  and made it hard for traders breaking the law to go under the radar like they do. Instead it is the legitimate traders who are punished.”

The pedestrianised high street, due to run as an 18-month trial, has also seen the Town Hall organise “cultural” events – but even they have had a negative impact, Mr Brewster Doherty said.

“The events cost us £65,000 in lost takings. As a small business, that is all but a year’s profit gone,” he added. “If they put something outside our shop, surely they should work with us – instead, they run an event, no one that day takes any money.”

He said business rates of £50,000 and rent of £144,000 meant margins were too tight: “When I set the gallery up, I really wanted to  do something for Camden Town. But the Town Hall is more interested in running their cultural agenda, which lacks any relevance to the place. It baffles me how bad it is. This is one of the most expensive streets to work in London and we should have been involved from the start.”

He added that even large chains were leaving, with firms like JD Sports and Itsu pulling out. A

spokesperson for Camden Town Unlimited told the New Journal: “We were sorry to learn that the Camden Open Air Gallery will be closing its doors. It has been a valued part of Camden’s cultural life, and its presence will be missed.

“Independent galleries and creative spaces play a vital role and we wish Finn every success in his future endeavours, and we remain committed to supporting the businesses and creative organisations that make Camden a place people want to visit.”

The Town Hall say it is currently collecting feedback as to how pedestrianisation is working and plan more consultations this month.

A spokesperson added: “Since launching the traffic-free trial on Camden High Street, the area has become safer, more welcoming for pedestrians and there has been improvements in road safety and air quality. “Camden is committed to supporting local businesses throughout this trial.

“This year we have invested an additional £1m to recruit additional Town Centre Community Safety Officers, as well as more CCTV and a new safety bus which will see a specific team in Camden Town. Our trading standards team have seized £26m worth of goods with partners since the trial began.”