New Tooting street market with al fresco dining to open in pedestrianised town centre

A new street market with al fresco dining will open in a South London town centre in a bid to boost local businesses. Wandsworth Council will trial the scheme on Totterdown Street in Tooting for 12 months.

The council will pedestrianise Totterdown Street between Saint Cyprian's Street and Blakenham Road to create the street market. It will do this by introducing a one-way traffic system from Totterdown Street to Saint Cyprian's Street to Kellino Street.

The market will have food and drink stalls, along with tables and chairs for customers to enjoy al fresco dining undisturbed by passing traffic. Shrubs and bushes in colourful planters will be installed around the seating areas.

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The council put together the pilot scheme after consulting with residents and businesses last year on ways to improve Totterdown Street. The council's initial proposals involved pedestrianising a longer stretch of the street, from Tooting High Street to Blakenham Road, which it later revised.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) visited Tooting Market, which has an entrance on Totterdown Street, after the initial proposals were announced. Ali Reed, who runs retro sweet shop The Candy Cane Lounge near the entrance, welcomed the plans and said: "As a business, I think it would bring more people. It would be just a nicer area."

Labour councillor Jenny Yates, cabinet member for transport, said: "We think this is a really exciting pilot initiative that will make this part of Tooting a more prominent local landmark and leisure destination. We hope the new street market, seating, greenery and pedestrianised section will bring people to Totterdown Street and provide a great boost to local businesses."

Labour councillor Kemi Akinola, cabinet member for culture, said the views of local residents will be 'pivotal' in helping the council to decide whether to make the street market permanent. The public will be able to take part in an online consultation held by the authority over the 12-month trial.

Councillor Akinola added: "Over the next 12 months we will listen carefully to the views of local residents and businesses before deciding whether or not to make these changes permanent."

Works to introduce the new street market will get underway in the week beginning May 27.

Got a story? Email charlotte.lillywhite@reachplc.com.

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