Hundreds of Herne Hill residents were very concerned to learn of Network Rail’s plan to demolish the Flower Lady shop and to replace it with an electricity sub-station to service the refurbished shops (see our earlier post on 19 May below).
But, thanks to a swiftly-organised and very well-supported campaign, Network Rail have had second thoughts. It remains to be seen where the sub-station will be built.

Elaine is naturally delighted at the outcome, and we have given Network Rail a little pat on the back for listening to the community (by contrast with some other bodies, closer to home, who have brushed aside community concerns over the Carnegie and the Brockwell Park music festival).
However, as the Herne Hill Society are pointing out in their latest newsletter, this issue has highlighted the desirability of seeking protection for Station Square by designating it as a Conservation Area, which is what the Herne Hill Society and the Herne Hill Forum are now pushing for.
The Head of Conservation at Lambeth has received a formal Members’ request via Cllr Becca Thackray to expedite an extension to Brockwell Park Conservation Area to include Station Square.
For more details of this new campaign, see the Herne Hill Society’s blog.