Kempton Park has served as the venue for Sundbury Antiques Market since the much-loved bimonthly event started 38 years ago. Last week, however, The Jockey Club submitted plans to redevelop the racecourse for housing. If plans are approved the project will commence 2021.
What will happen to @SunburyAntiques 😱 https://t.co/bM4CLr33WF
— Laura Garnham (@LauraGarnham) January 11, 2017
What would Kempton closure mean for @SunburyAntiques ?? So many questions...
— Fran Perrow (@mediafran) January 10, 2017
Very sorry to hear this, @SunburyAntiques. Hope it's not true or that you find another spot for your great fair! https://t.co/2ea06RtX8W
— Sandy Price (@sandylprice) January 10, 2017
Sunbury Antiques owner Edward Cruttenden was quick to allay fears with a post on his website and which was widely broadcast to followers.
Ref Jockey Club Announcement, please note that @SunburyAntiques will continue to operate from Kempton Park as usual https://t.co/qNvtTePCDe
— Sunbury Antiques (@SunburyAntiques) January 11, 2017
Cruttenden told ATG that “Sunbury Antiques will continue whatever happens.”
“Unfortunately at the moment it’s being made to sound like there are bulldozers at the front gate,” Cruttenden said. “That just isn’t the case and for us, it’s business as usual.”
He added that Sunbury Antiques had already received a number of messages of support, and that over the next 18 months to two years the Market will be liaising with The Jockey Club as the situation develops.
A more general outcry over the threatened closure of the racecourse has also been widespread. Within hours of the announcement a Save Kempton Park Twitter account went live, gaining more than 700 followers on its first day.
The end of @kemptonparkrace just can't happen, so many amazing memories @SaveKemptonpark ...Neigh! pic.twitter.com/ov3JtHq7o5
— Kauto Star Legend (@KingKautoV) January 11, 2017
We have had 800 followers since this page was setup 1 day ago. @RacingPost @nickluck @olibellracing @chamberlinsport @MCYeeehaaa
— Save Kempton Park (@SaveKemptonpark) January 11, 2017
“In the end, The Jockey Club announcement is what it is but Sunbury Antiques Market will go on,” Cruttenden said.
