A community-led action plan is being developed by residents and businesses in SE25, and local people are being asked to get involved and share their ideas.
Community group People for Portland Road has received government funding to work out a road map for how the area could be improved through businesses and the community working together. Working with other local groups and residents, and backed by the council, the plan is also seeking to set up a ‘community hub’ that will support community groups and help local people set up new businesses.
Three meetings will be held at Stanley Halls, on South Norwood Hill, where people can learn more about the various options, find support for new and existing businesses, and help shape the final plan by adding their own thoughts and ideas.
The members of the new ‘town team’ are keen to find what people see as being the main barriers to setting up and running a successful business in the area. This will help them look for creative and effective solutions.
The dates and times of the meetings are as follows. They will all be held in Stanley Halls and anyone who loves South Norwood is welcome to attend.
- 14 March, 6.30 – 8.30pm
- 23 March, 5.30 – 7.30pm
- 26 March, 2 – 4pm
Councillor Paul Scott said:
“Developed under the banner of ‘We Love South Norwood’, this plan could really help to support the strengthening of the community and our local businesses. Now is the time to take action and have your say. We would ask local entrepreneurs, business owners, artists, musicians, residents and anybody else who loves South Norwood to come and join us in order for this plan to be a great success.”
The area around South Norwood has already seen signs of improvement as in the last year several new and interesting shops have opened up on the High Street, Portland Road and Station Road.
There are also three exciting new ‘pop-up shops’ supported by the Council, and two new but already-well-loved pubs, the Shelverdine Goathouse and the Portland Arms.
The Clock Tower Market, now runs regularly, and hosts stalls from butchers, florists, bakers, and brewers to baristas, and cake makers – to list just a few.
The council’s public realm project to bring a market square to Station Road has started, and the works to transform Market Parade on Portland Road are starting soon. This will include new pavements, trees, seating, and public art.
Christmas 2016 saw the new festive lights go up along the High Street and Portland Road, transforming the area on dark winter nights.
Stanley Halls is one of many fantastic community run initiatives in SE25. It is now fully opened and is a lively cultural centre providing theatre, film, music, talks, classes, festivals and youth projects. It also contains several businesses and belongs very much to the community.
For more information e-mail: info@weloveSE25.com
