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High Street Summit 2023 – Summary Report

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Our High Street Summit took place on Friday, 8th September.A special thanks to Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP and of course, our incredible business members who were able to dedicate a few hours of their time – your presence and contributions made it truly special. The day was filled with insightful discussions and a shared commitment to positive change in Streatham.

We explored the impact of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods  (LTNs) and the challenges posed by climate change, providing a comprehensive understanding of the small business landscape.

We also addressed security concerns on the high road and what more the police can do to support our community.These discussions help us all adapt and proactively navigate the changing retail environment.

Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP: “It was great to chair the High Street Summit, bringing together local small businesses to discuss the issues they currently face. Our small businesses have been hit particularly hard by the Conservatives’ handling of Brexit, Covid and fossil fuel inflation. Our small business community brings so much colour and character to our High Street and it’s vital that we keep working to ensure our local independents thrive and survive. I was also pleased to update that TFL has announced a 20mph speed limit on the A23 through Streatham and will implement this in due course. This is something local businesses have requested for some time.”

Transport for London (TfL) announced its plans to introduce a 20mph speed limit on Streatham Hill & Streatham High Road to help tackle speeding. This is good news for our area as it will make our High Road feel more inviting for walking, shopping in local businesses, and enjoying outdoor dining. The scheme for the A23 will go live in December. Visit TfL website for more information. https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/media/press-releases/2023/march/tfl-sets-out-plans-for-the-next-stage-of-lowering-speed-limits-on-its-roads-in-london

 

InStreatham High Street Summit 2023 (myalbum.com)

 

Christmas Lights Switch On 2023

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This month, we held another successful Christmas Lights Switch-On event with celebrity guest Kae Kurd. The community came together in the true spirit of the season, and the festive atmosphere was truly heartwarming.Thank you to everyone involved in putting the show together!

And to all who came down and chose to shop locally to help celebrate and support Streatham.

See you all again next year!

Check out the photos!

Apply to the Big Shift Business Parklet scheme!

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The Big Shift Business Parklet programme goes live today after a successful pilot project in Clapham Old Town (see attached image). Lambeth Council is inviting businesses to apply for their very own parklet to give them more space, raise their visibility or create new cycle storage space to attract new customers.

The Big Shift Business Parklet scheme is open to businesses, Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), private organisations, schools, and charities who want to apply for their own kerbside space to improve their local area.

The parklets can be used for a variety of uses from creating more space for the business, to adding outdoor seating and tables, creating a community hub and attract new customers. They would be established in the kerbside – the space between the road and pavement – to provide extra outdoor commercial space.

How it works:

  1. Complete business parklet expression of interest form – which includes submitting rough designs and a neighbourhood support form.
  2. Shortlisting process by the Council
  3. Apply for table and chairs/ pavement licence (where necessary)
  4. Shortlisted businesses provide their detailed designs
  5. Traffic order and relevant audits completed by Lambeth Council
  6. Build
  7. Businesses maintain the parklet through its lifespan and arrange removal when necessary.

The Council will support shortlisted applicants through the process, including advice on licencing and elements of the design and will support with the costs towards:

  • Traffic Order costs
  • Road safety audit
  • Officer time
  • Signs and lines

Businesses are encouraged to be creative and innovative to transform the kerbside. The costs payable by the business:

  • Supply/leasing of the parklet platform & installation. Parklets can come in various forms, sizes and materials so prices can also vary. Prices can start from £5K and above.
  • Items such as planters, barriers and seating
  • Maintenance
  • Public Liability Insurance
  • Apply for a tables and chairs licence (where required)
  • Removal/replacement at the end of the parklet’s life

Businesses may apply for a parklet individually or as a collective in their location.

The opportunity to apply will be open until the 1st of April with two shortlisting windows on the 12 January and 1 April 2024.

For information on shortlisting criteria and how to apply, visit https://www.lambeth.gov.uk/businessparklets

For any questions, please contact bigshift@lambeth.gov.uk

Branding to promote the collective identity of Streatham

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We are proud to launch our place identity branding that encapsulates the qualities of Streatham. The aim is that this will strengthen local pride in residents and visitors and encourage shoppers to get even more excited about shopping local!

As a hub of independent businesses, we feel it is important to develop an identity that resonates with the local people and they feel compelled to buy into. Through InStreatham, businesses invest in the regeneration of their neighbourhood and help drive local economy growth. The team work hard to make Streatham a better place to shop, stay, visit and do business. Our aim is to raise the profile of the area and drive the whole area forward by improving experiences, standards and adding value by working in collaboration with all sectors.

Keep it local Streatham logo
Designed by Richard Fairhead

The icon is designed by renowned local illustrator Richard Fairhead and will be used on various promotional materials, soon you will see this icon on shop windows, tote bags and more!

BID Manager, Louise said: “After the tough year businesses have faced recently, we believe now is the time to take this further by introducing a creative design that can be recognised across SW2 and SW16. The branding is unique while highlighting Streatham’s attributes and separating it from other South West London locations.”

Streatham has a rich history and vibrant community that we want to celebrate and this project supports our ethos – A voice for business, a vision for the community, a future together.

In the press: The South Londoner

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We have written an editorial for The South Londoner celebrating the easing of lockdown restrictions this summer. The South Londoner is delivered to homes and venues across all of Lambeth from Waterloo to Clapham.

Read here.

Top five (covid safe) reasons to visit Streatham this summer

We are ready for the return of visitors to our high street and have started a programme of COVID secure initiatives to keep you safe while staying local. When visiting shops, and restaurants in Streatham, you can expect to find safety measures including social distance signage, hand sanitiser stations, one-way systems, a limit on in-store capacity and even on-street jet-washing around key gateways and community assets.

As more restrictions are eased over the next few months, we can return to enjoying our favourite things again. We are exploring the possibility of a pop up outdoor seating area on Streatham Green and a same-day shop and drop service to make you feel extra comfortable when returning.

There are many reasons to visit Streatham, of course, but here’s our top five – from great shops to top-notch pubs, find out what’s back open in Streatham.

Make sure to follow the latest government guidelines and act responsibly when out and about!

Its creative community

The vibrant artistic community here is sure to add some colour to your day. From literature events at the Streatham Tate Library to comedy at the Streatham Space Project. The area is also brimming with talented artists that sometimes exhibit their work in various venues up and down Streatham High Road. If you’re feeling a little anxious or stressed, pick up one of the many stress reducing colouring books available that can lessen that weight on your shoulders.

The luxurious beauty experience

Nothing compares to the fabulous feeling you get when you walk out of the salon door and luckily, hairdressers, nail salons and spas across Streatham are eager to pamper you! Many provide complete hair care for both men and women with experts in colour, cutting and treatments for Afro and European hair textures. 

Manicures and pedicures are now available again with safety guidance in place, so visit your local salon to discover what you can treat yourself to. Dry hands from washing and sanitising? You can use collagen gloves at Regal Nails on Streatham Hill.

Collagen gloves at Regal Nails

Relax, unwind and book yourself in for that much needed massage with one of the many spa and beauty experiences available. For smooth and hydrated skin  Emma Wilson Urban Spa specialises in the ultimate spa experience including massages, waxing and other beauty treatments.

The mouthwatering food

Streatham is the place for a fantastic dinner out, especially if you’re craving for an authentic dish – all ludicrously good value. Treat yourself to tasty meals at one of Streatham’s alfresco restaurants – pick up some amazing coffee, cakes and bakes to-go from a local cafe or grab a pint in the sunshine at a nearby beer garden. For an indulgent dinner in a classically British setting, look no further than your local pubs. The wondrous beer garden at The Bull is locally famous, most know about Pratts and Payne’s lovely urban oasis out the back, and The Rabbit Hole’s huge garden is a paradise for parents.

Green spaces

Streatham is one of South London’s greenest suburbs and there’s nothing better than a leisurely stroll on a nice summer day. Soak up the sunshine during a picnic, or take the kids to burn off some energy in a playground. Alternatively, practice your downward dog on Streatham Common and nestled at the north end of the Common is The Rookery Gardens.

Indoor leisure is now open again so head to the Streatham Ice and Leisure centre for a refreshing dip!

Retail therapy

We’ve all missed the sensory experience of traditional shopping. You will find many independent clothing and homeware stores in Streatham selling a wide range of products. In addition to a beautiful collection of mugs, key rings and postcards, you will also find stunning collections of clothing at Lark. While you’re on the Parade, pay a visit to Streatham’s very own Zero-Waste shop, Healthier without – you can find all the essential goods like tea, grains and pasta as well as other things like oils, sustainable household cleaning and personal hygiene products.

Newcomer, The Deli, down in Streatham Village also offers an extensive and exciting wine list.

If you’re not quite ready to visit us yet, you can continue to experience the Streathamite lifestyle from your sofa with our online marketplace. The new online marketplace is designed to make it easier for you to shop your favourite Streatham shops, salons and restaurants! You can buy everything from gift cards, beauty products, jewellery, clothing, and art to locally-made gin and spirits, pet suppliers and local produce using one basket and in one simple transaction and have it delivered via the electric cargo bike.