Published: Friday, 2nd July 2021
The first phase of eleven redesigned shop-fronts along Plumstead High Street have all received planning permission. Works will start later this year.
Up to forty shops due to be complete by spring 2022 - all will receive expert advice from a team of architects, builders and designers. Improvements are being jointly funded by the Council and Mayor of London’s Good Growth Fund to regenerate Plumstead High Street, Lakedale Road and White Hart Road.
A colourful feature mural inspired by patterns created by Plumsted Manor students based on local architecture, and West African and South Asian textiles will also decorate the railway bridge and underpass on White Hart Road. Due to happen later this year in cooperation with Network Rail, this is forms part of work that is underway to make White Hart Road a cleaner, greener and safer route to walk and cycle along – connecting the High Street, railway station and power station to the Ridgeway, an off-road path that runs to Thamesmead. The road and pavement are being resurfaced and low maintenance planters will increase greenery and deter flytipping.
Cllr Denise Scott-McDonald, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Good Growth, said:
“Plumstead is a priority regeneration area for the Council. All the positive changes as part of this project are the culmination of listening to the local community and putting their ideas into action. With the combination of improvements to shop-fronts and public spaces, to make the area greener, more attractive and feel safer - real change is on its way.
Cllr Mariam Lolavar, Cabinet Member for Business and Economic Growth, said:
“We’ve engaged with every business in area. Now at least 30 will get a bespoke shop-front that’s professionally designed with high quality materials, that pays close attention to the building’s original architectural features, and 90 per cent of cost will be subsidised by the Council and Mayor of London’s Good Growth Fund. Alongside help with the first impression their shop makes, 18 businesses have also been getting help with how their merchandise is displayed on the inside too, to maximise sales and bring customers back.”
Making the High Street greener was a top priority for residents
Last September residents planted more than 600 bulbs on the grassy space outside Gavin House which will be turned into a community garden with a path, more trees, hardwearing steel flower beds, and planting that stimulates the senses.
Another four locations - outside the Church of Christ the King on Lakedale Road, outside Boots and Poundland, White Hart Road and Abery Street car park have all been proposed for getting a greener makeover. Some work has already started and subject to planning approval all should be completed by beginning of next year.
Celebrating Plumstead’s local character and identity was another community priority
People thought that more public artwork would improve the atmosphere and appearance of the area, making it feel more colourful, welcoming and fun. Due to restricted space on the High Street many people suggested using murals on walls, shopfronts, shutters and lampposts. Now local people have helped create an artists’ brief for potential murals and shutter art along the High Street. The Council will put a call out for artists soon so watch this space!
See the consultation boards that were on display at Plumstead Make Merry 2021