Strengthening Lambeth’s Town Centres: A Story of Community-Led Transformation

The four projects are under the UKSPF Community and Places theme, which intends to enhance local places’ social and human capital, support local arts, cultural, heritage, and creative activities, and develop existing cultural, historical, and heritage institutions.

Streatham Green is a critical local asset.

The redesign of Streatham Green is a particularly exciting and vital project given its location on Streatham High Road. This densely populated urban area has high traffic and air pollution levels and limited green space for residents.

The proposed redesign, which will take place in close consultation with the local community, will see £200,000 invested in the creation of a more functional public space with improved lighting, an events space, opportunities for informal play for children, seating that supports positive behaviour, enhanced planting and greening and celebrates the Dyce fountain.

Not only will this enhance the amenity of the space as an oasis for residents, but it will also reduce the incidence of anti-social behaviour with drug dealing, street drinking and rough sleeping.

Other Projects

Funding will also be invested in building a one-storey extension to the South London Theatre premises to create a new multi-purpose studio in the Grade II-listed Old Fire Station site. This additional studio will be used for public events, art exhibitions, rehearsals, meetings and presentations, exercise classes, and community classes.

Southside Rehabilitation will receive funds for new catering equipment, enabling the restoration of a building and restarting a programme that provides employment experience for residents with mental health conditions as part of a recovery pathway to independent living.

West Norwood Feast, a volunteer-run, non-commercial market that has become a must-visit cultural attraction in the area, will also receive a capital injection that will enable the future sustainability of its operations.

Councillor Dr Jacqui Dyer, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economies and Equalities, said: I am thrilled to see these transformative projects take shape in Streatham and West Norwood. This investment not only enhances our town centres but also embodies our commitment to fostering inclusive and equitable communities. By creating vibrant public spaces, supporting local businesses and creating opportunities for residents, we are helping to make Lambeth a borough of equity and justice.”

Anticipated Impact

This investment will significantly impact West Norwood and Streatham. It will enable at least 92 new events per year, with an estimated increase in footfall of 28,000. At least 67 jobs will be created alongside 70 volunteering opportunities, and 30 trees will be planted in 1,690m2 of green space.