A DISPLACED COMMUNITY
On 11th August 2022, our landlord activated an eviction to seek Vacant Possession of the site when our lease expired. Ahead of our lease expiry, we were told to sit tight and wait that we were entitled to Business Relocation as outlined by Southwark Council. Through community uproar, our #NOPRICEONCULTURE campaign sought clarity from The London Borough of Southwark that a Business Relocation Strategy was indeed a right to be fulfilled by Regent Land and Developments..
PLUSHSE16 began as a collection of small businesses rooted in the Surrey Quays and Bermondsey area of Southwark, London. For over two decades, it grew into something far greater than a group of shops — it became a community hub, a cultural meeting place, and a source of opportunity for local people.
The name PLUSH represents the values that guided the space from the beginning:
Peace. Love. Unity. Strength. Harmony. Those values shaped everything we did.
From barbershop conversations to youth music sessions, from food to culture, PLUSHSE16 became a place where people connected, supported one another, and built community.
A 22-Year Community Legacy
PLUSHSE16 brought together five Black-owned businesses serving the local community.
Together, these businesses provided far more than services. They offered mentorship, safe spaces for young people, employment opportunities, and a place where people from across Southwark, Lewisham and beyond could feel seen and welcomed.
In a city where culturally rooted spaces are increasingly rare, PLUSHSE16 became a vital piece of London’s social fabric.
A barbershop
A Caribbean takeaway
A hand car wash
A hair salon
A youth music studio
WE DID NOT
DISPLACE OURSELVES
SOCIAL VALUE
PlushSE16, founded by Michael Clinkett, addresses local and London-wide social issues and fosters a proactive, connected community through an affordable first business.
Our Story in Numbers
22
Years of Culture
For more than two decades, PLUSHSE16 served as a trusted space in Southwark where local people came together for services, culture, conversation and support. What began as small businesses became a lasting community institution.
5
Community Businesses
PLUSHSE16 brought together five independent Black-owned businesses — a barbershop, Caribbean takeaway, hair salon, hand car wash and youth music studio — creating a shared ecosystem that supported local employment, entrepreneurship and culture.
1000
Thousands of Lives Touched
Over the years, thousands of residents, families, young people and workers passed through PLUSHSE16. It became a place where everyday life happened — from mentorship and music to food, conversation and friendship.
1
Movement for Change
The loss of the PLUSHSE16 site sparked the #NoPriceOnCulture movement, advocating for the protection of cultural spaces and community businesses across London. What started as a local fight has become a wider call for fair development and social value.
Displacement and the Fight for Cultural Space
After more than two decades serving the community, PLUSHSE16 was displaced due to redevelopment plans for the site, with planning permission refused.
Our story is one shared by many communities across London. As land values rise and neighbourhoods change, the spaces that hold culture, identity and everyday social life are often the first to disappear.
But our story did not end with displacement.
Instead, it sparked a movement.
The NoPriceOnCulture Movement
Out of the loss of our physical space came a wider campaign: #NoPriceOnCulture.
This movement highlights the importance of protecting cultural infrastructure, community businesses, and the social value created by local spaces that cannot be measured purely in financial terms.
#NoPriceOnCulture
PLUSHSE16 now stands as both a story and a movement — reminding decision-makers that culture, community and belonging must be part of London’s future.
Protecting London’s Community Spaces
PLUSHSE16 is part of a growing network of organisations and campaigns working to protect local places from displacement.
We collaborate with community groups, planners, activists, and policymakers who believe that development should strengthen communities, not erase them.
Our work continues through partnerships, campaigns, storytelling, and policy engagement across London.
Because a thriving city is not defined by its buildings — it is defined by its people.
An Ongoing Mission
To protect cultural spaces, community businesses, and local identity in London by advocating for fair development and recognising the social value of community-led places.
Join the Movement
PLUSHSE16 continues to grow as a platform for community voice, culture and advocacy.
Whether you are a resident, community organiser, researcher or policymaker, we welcome you to engage with our work and help protect the spaces that make London what it is.
Because there is No Price on Culture.
CORE DISPLACEMENT CAMPAIGN TEAM
Michael Clinkett
CEO / Founder - Community Lead - PlushSE16 Barber
CEO and Founder of Plush also now known as HUBSE16, Michael has worked as a Barber for over 20 years, starting in Walworth Road to finally settle in SE16 at a very racially provocative era.
Michael is the heart of SE16, known to everyone from all walks of life. HUBSE16 will see his social business and community skills come to life as he is on a mission to build a sustainable culturally lead business for generations to come.
Carmen Gowie Clinkett
Social Entrepreneur / Creative Strategist
& Campaign Director
AKA Mrs Plush, Creative Director of Twntyfour Studio, Carmen, works tirelessly using design and media to create unforgettable experiences.
Curating and campaigning for social issues and is a visual artist passionate about people place.
Visual and Marketing leader of the #NoPriceOnCulture movement, which lifted PlushSE16 force closure and united the Southwark borough, Carmen sits at the heart of connecting people using design and her multi-disciplinary skills to create Social impact as a domino effect using design for good. Born and raised in Southwark with 12 years working for The London Borough of Southwark, Carmen has great pride in people and place.
Emerson Clinkett
Architectural Designer
Lead Architect at Studio EK a multidisciplinary design company specialising in architecture, planning and management. Founded by Kwok-Wai Lau and Emerson Clinkett.
As a Southwark resident and brother Emerson brings his architectural flair as we develop forward the vision of PlushSE16 x HUBSE16 and how it will look and feel for the community when we overcome our in justice and rightful relocation.
Fully experienced in both retail and commercial design and development and experienced PassiveHaus Architect
Patrick Berry
Business Investor / Property Consultant
Founding partner of UK first black fashion magazine. Founding partner UK's first black music radio station. Jointly led the first official UK black business owners trade delegation to South Africa.
Patrick brings a world of knowledge and business advocacy by way of lived experience. Culturally he understands and values the need for Black Businesses built from the grassroots.
Twntyfour Studio
Wellers Law Group
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Lee Benjamin - Graphic Designer
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