Hackney,
14
December
2018
|
12:03
Europe/London

Protecting Ridley Road Market – new investment to support businesses

Traders at Ridley Road Market could receive new stalls, free wifi and handheld payment machines as part of a joint funding package from Hackney Council and the Mayor of London to help them compete in a changing high street.

The upgrades would be part of a raft of improvements at the market which would also provide greener spaces for traders and shoppers, using £770,000 from the Mayor of London’s Good Growth Fund, matched by the Council.

The project delivers on a key pledge of the Council’s Dalston Conversation to protect and improve the market, while retaining its unique character, history and culture. Nearly a third of people who have responded to the conversation so far have commented on Ridley Road, with 70% of those saying it needed improvement or they felt it was at risk. One in five said it was what they loved about the area, or is their favourite place.

The improvement ideas include:

  • Pedestrianised areas for shoppers to browse stalls and relax, with new crossings and removal of unnecessary street clutter

  • New traffic and parking restrictions to help traders set up and provide better walking and cycling routes when the market isn’t open

  • Weatherproof gazebos and handheld card machines for traders

  • Free wifi, accessible to all visitors and businesses in the area

  • Better public spaces and footpaths

Philip Glanville, Mayor of Hackney
Dalston is changing, but Ridley Road Market is here to stay. We are determined to deliver on our pledge that existing residents and businesses shouldn’t be excluded from the opportunities that change will bring.

In September I pledged that we would protect and improve Ridley Road Market so existing traders could thrive, and I believe these proposals will be part of doing just that – ensuring that stallholders can compete with the high street and making it more accessible for shoppers.

Local people have been clear about how much they value the market and public spaces like Ridley Road, which is why – together with supporting businesses facing eviction from the Shopping Village – we’ll do everything in our power to ensure they remain at the heart of the community and invest in them for the future.
Philip Glanville, Mayor of Hackney

More than 3,300 people have visited the Dalston Conversation website since it launched three months ago, with hundreds sharing their ideas about the future of the area online and at events around Dalston. The Council will publish an action plan to deliver on residents’ priorities next year.

The Mayor of London's Good Growth Fund supports regeneration schemes which help Londoners influence how their local areas are shaped.

Jules Pipe, Deputy Mayor of London for Planning, Regeneration and Skills
This is a great example of a project which aims to give Londoners of all backgrounds the opportunity to be actively involved in shaping how their city develops. The Mayor and I are committed to supporting ‘good growth’ by building a city where all Londoners have access to the same opportunities and I look forward to seeing the positive impact this project has in the future.
Jules Pipe, Deputy Mayor of London for Planning, Regeneration and Skills

The ideas will be subject to consultation with local people and businesses, and further detailed work next year.

Have your say in the Dalston Conversation by visiting the dedicated website