Regeneration project: Chrisp Street

Tower Hamlets Council has been awarded £99,000 from the Mayor’s Portas Pilot Initiative and has contributed a further £88,000 to develop an approach to improve three local markets. Ideas are being piloted at Chrisp Street Market, and will inform future strategies for Watney Market and Roman Road Market. Chrisp Street Market was the UK’s first pedestrianised shopping centre. The council’s public health department is leading the scheme. It aims to boost the market through lively events, diversification of the market’s offer, supporting traders and celebrating Chrisp Street’s rich culture and heritage. Local residents and traders are involved at every step, encouraging them to make better use of the market and celebrate the area’s distinctive heritage.

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Animating places

Chrisp Street Market was originally designed as part of the 1951 Festival of Britain and sits at the eastern edge of Lansbury Estate. It is a much-loved local asset selling everything from toys, clothing, plants and food. Funding is being used for a new outdoor dining area designed by The Decorators to connect fresh produce sold in the market to the kitchens in surrounding cafes and restaurants. The project is encouraging market traders to extend their opening hours by attracting visitors to special events and cooking demonstrations in the evenings and weekends. The design team is also using an empty market unit as a meeting place and community hub.

Hosting events

Part of the investment into Chrisp Street will fund a radio programme to explore the area’s history and hidden stories. Partly a consultation tool and partly a legacy for the community, the radio station broadcast from Chrisp Street’s famous clock tower during the 2013 Christmas Festival. The special event marked the recent changes and was a chance for locals celebrate this unique space. Longer term, a continuous programme of culinary events will be possible in the new outdoor dining area, encouraging healthy eating and attracting more visitors.

Supporting business

Chrisp Street’s market traders and café owners are being offered workshops and mentoring to help boost their businesses. The Decorators are collaborating with local business support organisations like the Pop-up Business School and the Idea Store to provide services. Traders are being encouraged to develop and test-out new business ideas and improve their current offering. Communal dining events at Chrisp Street will create new links between market traders and local business owners, supported by mentoring throughout. A new business directory and website is also helping promote the market and provide more accessible and more useful visitor information.

Preparing for change

As part of the package of works at Chrisp Street Market, the design team will also produce recommendations for changes and improvements to Watney Market and Roman Road Market. The proposals will build on new facilities established at Chrisp Street, continuing the theme of healthy living. Through learning important lessons at Chrisp Street and proving the value of initiatives, it is hoped that further funding will be secured for Watney Market and Roman Road Market.

Borough: Tower Hamlets

Partners/client: LB Tower Hamlets

Consultants: The Decorators

Funding: Mayor of London £99,000, LB Tower Hamlets £88,000 (including in-kind match)