After campaigning yesterday for the London Elections on 6th of May, it was quite clear to me that the centre of the Bangladeshi community in Tower Hamlets has moved from Brick lane to Shadwell.

As the gentrification goes apace along the streets of Brick lane with Truman Brewery Shopping Mall proposal the latest attempt for major changes in the neighbourhood, there is no doubt Bengali businesses and housing are being priced out. Not surprising its facing resistance by the Save Brick Lane campaign as it progresses through planning locally at the borough. And there appears a good case to “call it in” by the Mayor of London anyway. 

But the shift to Shadwell a nearby centre for commerce and business is already happening for Bengalis with much cheaper residential accommodation and employment space to rent. Thankfully the infrastructural transport support has already been provided with the Overground and DLR stations there for others from outside the borough and within to be able to come along to make the most of facilities. 

Finally l suspect my observations will be confirmed when the results of the Census 2021 are available and the breakdown for Tower Hamlets confirm that this has certainly happened over the last decade.