Projects

Streatham Green set to be transformed

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The Streatham Green

An exciting update to the Streatham Green project!

After a series of community consultations including local businesses, residents, Lambeth officers, and the Met Police, a final design for Streatham Green has been produced. 

A summary of the community engagement comments. Produced by Outerspace.

Outerspace, the landscape architects, sensitively considered all of the communities comments and concerns about inclusivity, comfortability and safety, ensuring key stakeholders and young people were consulted. From these comments, themes were drawn out and four key priorities emerged: 

- To improve access and use for wheelchair users and those less able, creating a safe and fun environment for all users.

- To increase dwell time by introducing better seating and informal play-on-the-way options.

- To enhance the Green's biodiversity through new trees and low-level planting.

- To improve the safety for women, children and vulnerable users through better lighting and visibility.

The BID is excited to have this opportunity to enhance an integral space for the community and it's confident the design will deliver the desired outcomes for those who use the space daily or those who would like to in the future. 

 

 

The Proposed Design for Streatham Green.

The new design is ambitious in responding to all three priorities. The new design takes advantage of the Green's gradient and includes amphitheatre-style seating and playful mounding. New trees and sensory planting are to be introduced for better biodiversity and habitat creation which will help alleviate the air pollution problems found along the High Road. The key features are the new play-on-the-way options like balancing beams and boulders for children and families, and also new bench seating for group meetings. In addition, to address the accessibility concerns from wheelchair users, a new ramp is being built which complies with up-to-date policy and regulation, and a new lighting strategy for safety.

InStreatham submitted a planning application to Lambeth Council this week and expect to receive a decision by the end of January. Keep up to date on our planning journey by checking our website. If you'd like to show your support, please share this update with words of appreciation, or email us your feedback at info@instreatham.com.

 

You can download the design & access statement here: InStreatham - Streatham Green DAS

A visualisation of what the proposed redesign will look like once completed.

LTN Impact Survey results

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We conducted a survey with our businesses to learn more about the impact of the Streatham Wells Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN). By employing a data-driven approach, the BID was able to include the responses of its members in Lambeth Council’s formal decision-making process and this was shared with the relevant officers and Councillors.

The past couple of years have been challenging for small businesses and the impact of the various factors raises valid concerns. Among the key observations highlighted by the survey is a range of concerns which include increased congestion and poorer air quality on Streatham High Road, appointment-based businesses taking fewer appointments due to disruptions to access routes, and logistical challenges related to deliveries. Majority of respondents also stated that they have seen a loss in custom and an impact on sales since the LTNs were implemented.

While concerns have been raised, it’s important to acknowledge the diverse perspectives within the community. This undoubtedly is a balancing act of the immediate needs of businesses and broader environmental issues. There are inevitably stresses and strains as we all transition to meet the needs of a net zero economy. Our role is to assist in that transition and at the same time to ensure that we mitigate pressures on our members so that they have opportunities to benefit too.

Concerns of local businesses:

  • Much longer routes in and out of the area for owners, clients and suppliers
  • Reduced footfall for businesses dealing directly with the public
  • Loss of custom, negative impact on businesses, less passing trade  
  • Restricted access for deliveries. Large lorries being directed down small side roads
  • Long-term impact on business/ local economy
  • Increase in Traffic/Pollution on main roads / increase in pollution (cars forced to take a longer journey on congested main roads)
  • Traffic Concern about impact on buses e.g. increased journey time
  • Worsens air quality 

On March 7th, Lambeth council suspended the Streatham Wells Low Traffic Neighbourhood amid these concerns, impact on public transport as well as upcoming works on the A23 due to TfL healthy streets improvements starting as soon as May.

While we are pleased with the decision, we’re actively monitoring the situation and will keep our members informed as soon as we receive any updates regarding the timeline for the TfL cycling scheme on Streatham Hill.

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

Wrapping up in flavors: Highlights from the 2023 Streatham Food Festival!

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Another brilliant Streatham Food Festival has concluded! Visitors had the opportunity to indulge in a variety of culinary delights, from traditional dishes to international flavors.

Thank you to all of our venues who took part. It goes without saying that we couldn’t do this without you and it’s a joy that this festival introduces so many new people to the many and varied hospitality venues on our High Road.

Thanks to our sponsors InStreatham, Foodhutz and Anthony Gold Solicitors. Thanks also to Heart Streatham Magazine for publishing our food map as ever.

Catch up on all the activities on the @StreathamFood social media pages on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Wrapping up in Flavors: Highlights from the 2023 Streatham Food Festival!