Our Council Plan

Kensington and Chelsea has many national and local cultural gems and visitor attractions. We recognise our role in contributing to the local, London and UK economic recovery through domestic and future international tourism, and will work alongside residents, businesses and partners to achieve this.

Maintaining our investment in cultural landmarks

We have some of the most iconic locations in the capital, from Portobello Road to the Kings Road, many beautiful residential streets and garden squares, and the world-famous museums located on Exhibition Road; all of which we want our residents and visitors to continue to enjoy and experience in the months and years ahead. We will work with partners to deliver longterm sustainable plans that build on the unique qualities of our global destinations.

Enhancing our support offer to retail and hospitality

During the height of the pandemic 40% of residents surveyed told us that we should prioritise helping businesses, shops and visitor attractions to re-open and recover from the impact of national lockdown restrictions. As the hospitality industry continues to recover, we will support them, and the retail trade, by continuing the al fresco licensing scheme permanently for the British summer time period. We will also pedestrianise more streets and make streetscape improvements where there are independent shopping parades. This will create a safe, secure experience for our local residents and visitors. By working with traders’ associations, we will support our world-renowned markets to continue re-attracting visitors.

Continuing our support of local talent and culture

We will be extending our existing culture plan, developed with the local community, for another four years. It will outline how we will celebrate, promote and encourage the creative and cultural offer in the borough. Central to this is our support of major events such as the resident led K&C Arts Festival and Notting Hill Carnival. We are also working with local businesses to create ‘cultural quarters’ with galleries, workshops and public space, such as in Kensal. Through this we aim to harness and support the power of the arts and culture to bring communities together, improve health and wellbeing, and enhance skills and enterprise to develop the next generation of talent.

---

What we want to see

•  A diverse cultural business base that employs locally and that survives and adapts to the impact of Covid-19.
• Thriving high streets, reflecting this diverse and metropolitan part of London.
• A safe and spectacular annual Notting Hill Carnival.
• The museums and cultural institutions in the borough attracting visitors locally and globally.
• More cultural events and ‘pop-ups’ taking place in the borough.
• More filmmakers using locations in the borough.
• A place which is pleasant and easy to get around with attractions that are accessible to all.

What we will do

• Continue to deliver on actions within our existing Culture Plan and continue developing a new 4-year Culture Plan for 2022-26
• Launch the refurbished museum at Leighton House and deliver an extensive community outreach programme to ensure residents know how to access this great new resource
• Maintain our al fresco dining licensing across the borough during the summer.
• Support the recovery of the local cultural and arts sector, through promoting our local creative and cultural offer.
• Build a framework with partners to continue delivery of the Kensington & Chelsea Arts Festival in 2022.
• Continue to provide financial and logistical support to the Notting Hill Carnival.
• Be creative and innovative with our resident engagement when consulting on investment in our public spaces.
• Continue to implement the Markets Plan to support local traders.
• Maintain our commitment to public realm projects and enhance local areas, such as the St. Helens and Bute Street schemes.