World's first local currency machine opens in London

The world's first local currency ATM has been unveiled, and it can be found in south London.

South London is now home to the world’s first local currency cash machine, dispensing only Brixton Pounds.

The machine has been installed following the success of the local currency, which is accepted by over 300 independent businesses in the south London borough.

The Brixton Pound is designed to keep money in the area and encourage people to support local independent businesses. 

Notes feature pictures of local heroes including David Bowie and basketball star Luol Deng, as well as pieces of Brixton’s public art. Some of the notes have been designed by local artist Jeremy Deller, who won the Turner Prize in 2004.

It's hoped that the new cash machine, which is situated on Market Row, will give more people access to the Brixton Pound, further boosting local busineses.

The ATM will be available during the market’s opening hours: 8am-11:30pm Tuesday to Sunday and 8am – 6pm on Mondays.

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“Our cash machine is the latest in our challenge to the conventional view that we’re moving towards a cashless society, and gives locals and visitors to Brixton an opportunity to experiment with money that celebrates community and creates conversations rather than closes them off,” says Tom Shakhli, the Brixton Pound’s managing director.

The cash machine has been designed and created by Kind Studio, a local independent creative agency and is funded by The Mayor’s High Street Fund.

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