Changing Streatham - How Gentrification Has Impacted Streatham High Road

Ten years ago, Streatham High Road was unrecognisable when compared with today. There were of course the chicken shops, the relatively new Tesco, and the independent cafes. The longest high road in Europe was just at the start of its journey into gentrification, but what’s changed in the past decade, and what’s to come?

So what’s changed? Big chains have been popping up all along the high street, such as a Starbucks, an M&S Foodhall, a Waterstones, and a Gail’s. It’s not just the big chains though, as smaller artisan bakeries and handmade lifestyle shops have also appeared, but why?

Streatham has witnessed a huge population shift in recent years. The demographic is far more affluent and middle class than before, "posher" in the blunt words of Seonaid McDonald, due to rising prices elsewhere in London, which leads them to cheaper places like Streatham. With this movement of people comes a shift in culture in the community. Essentially, shops like Waterstones arrive in Streatham because it now has the right demographic to sell to with more disposable income, and the same goes for the other examples mentioned. It’s also why shops like newsagents have been thinning in numbers, because they’re needed less and less. It’s not just directly economic though, as working from home is becoming more common since COVID, cafe culture is now a big part of society, great for establishments like Gail’s and Starbucks. This has made the high road a more desirable place to live around, and has led to extortionate property prices in the area.

So what next? Gentrification is a cycle. Streatham will become more desirable, more affluent people will buy houses in the area, and eventually the high road will be completely transformed. However, gentrification isn’t the fire that many claim it to be, as with anything, there are pros and cons. Both small and chain businesses will thrive on the increased spending in shops on the high road. For example, although the Waterstones may be what attracts them, they might also spend money in the small business next door, etcetera.

The downside? Although these small businesses may benefit in the short term, in the long term, they risk being replaced by the chains that recognise the economic potential of the street. Furthermore, the people that live here already will be priced out, moving to cheaper areas and being replaced by the middle class.

Streatham High Road has changed, but it isn’t completely different. There are still great independent restaurants and chicken shops that make Streatham its unique self, and after all, there’s a reason it’s been hit with gentrification: because it was attractive to start with. It’s always had potential, and right now, the balance between the chains and small businesses is meeting that potential. Whether it can resist the temptations of big business and remain in this equilibrium remains to be seen, but I’m hopeful that our high road will keep its soul.