The beginning
Camden Lock was opened in 1973 by property pioneers Bill Fulford and Peter Wheeler, who retain full ownership and operational control to this day. In an area suffering serious economic decline, the early development revolved simply around renovating the existing Victorian sheds and cobbled yards for designers and artists (some of whom are still here today!) to rent space where they could also sell their work. For visitors, the chance to see their goods being made in an attractive public space was a rare thing even in 1970s London.

The first ‘market’ in Camden
As the first ‘market’ in Camden (the market stalls not arriving until 1976), its eclectic mix of stalls, shops, workshops and music venues generated the first Camden Town ‘buzz’. During the 1980s, Camden Lock’s vitality began to spread. Shops that were previously empty or let at peppercorn rents became very desirable, and estate agents were advertising their properties as being “within walking distance of the unique shopping facilities of Camden Lock”.

10 million visitors a year
Today, Camden Lock is a multi-award winning cultural icon attracting 10 million visitors a year from all parts of the globe. It is the benchmark for market-centred development in the UK, playing host daily to 60 independent shops, up to 350 market stalls, 20 studios, 4 venues and The London Waterbus Company.

More than just a market
Over 35 years Camden Lock has built a rich cultural heritage ranging from music (Pink Floyd, The Clash, White Stripes, Foo Fighters) to cinema (Anthony Minghella’s Breaking and Entering and Mike Leigh’s Happy Go Lucky) to fashion (establishing the Camden Fashion Show). It has been at the heart of Camden Town’s rise to prominence, providing thousands of jobs and business start-up opportunities in a social setting that encourages competition, entrepreneurship, innovation and diversity.