The local restaurants shut out of their premises at Castle Square in Elephant & Castle will be allowed back in, a spokesman for Southwark Council has said.
Last week, much-loved restaurants such as Kaieteur Kitchen, Daddy O Suya, and Como Y Bebe were locked out of their sites by landlord Get Living due to unpaid electricity bills. But on Friday night, councillor John Batteson, cabinet member for climate emergency, jobs and business at Southwark, told the Standard: “Together with Get Living, we have reached an agreement that provides an opportunity for Castle Square businesses to return to their units.
“As part of a new payment plan, traders can now pay off their arrears over the course of a new 12-month arrangement. We understand that some business owners may choose not to return to the site and Get Living has confirmed that any outstanding debts for those businesses will not be pursued.
“Through ongoing discussions with Get Living, the owners of the site, it is clear that although businesses have benefitted from low rental rates, rising electricity costs have placed significant financial pressure on them. As a council, we are committed to supporting local businesses and hope this new package will provide some relief for traders.”
A spokeswoman from Get Living confirmed to the Standard on Saturday that it was working with Southwark Council to formulate a revised plan.
Faye Gomes, the owner of Kaieteur Kitchen, said she was “close to collapse” after arriving at her restaurant only to find the doors locked. The Standard has approched Gomes for comment regarding the council’s update.
The chef, along with others at the Castle Square development, had been hit with enormous electricity bills — many more than £20,000 — due to metering complications. Until now it was understood that restaurateurs unable to pay the bill in full and outright would be unable to return to their venues.
Gomes acknowledged to this paper that there might be changes to the situation at Castle Square but details remain sparse.
At present, the terms of the payment plan have not been shared and none of the restaurateurs involved have said they will definitely return.
This story will be updated as more information emerges.
