It’s finally the season to snack, sip, and saunter our way around London’s impressive array of sun-soaked street markets. And just when you thought the city had reached its street market quota, up pops another one. The more the merrier, hey?
London’s new-market-on-the-block will soon be arriving on a newly-pedestrianised stretch of road in Tooting. The pedestrianised zone will run between Saint Cyprian’s Street and Blakenham Road, with the shiny new al-fresco market set to open on Totterdown Road.
The open-air public space will boast a seating area for visitors to relax, plenty of decorative greenery, and – of course – a plethora of food and drink stalls, undisturbed by the hectic south London traffic. This will be achieved through the introduction of a one-way system between Totterdown Street, Saint Cyprian’s Street and Kellino Street.
In a bid to boost local businesses and rejuvinatethe local area, plans for the new market and public space came about after discussions with local residents and business owners. The pedestrian zone and street market will first be introduced as a 12 month trial. The future of the market will then be in the hands of the public.
Tooting is certainly no stranger to the market scene. In fact, it already boasts two of the oldest (and yummiest) street food markets in the city. But it seems as though there’s room for one more, and works to launch the new rooting Tooting street market are already underway.
Wandsworth’s Cabinet Member for Transport, Jenny Yates, 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.”
Kemi Akinola, Cabinet Member for Voluntary Sector, Business Engagement and Culture, 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. The views of local people will be pivotal in helping us reach that final decision so I would urge them to take part in our online consultation which will be open for comments throughout the year.”
Find out more about the new pedestrianised street and market here.