Published: Thursday 6 July 2023
A new community panel of over 20 local voices from residents, community groups, business and traders has been recruited to help inform a consultation on improvements to the award-winning Portobello Road.
The panel members were recruited after a six-week recruitment process, with over 45 applicants. All the successful applicants live and work across North Kensington. There is representation of traders and businesses based in the area such as Admiral Vernon Arcades and antique shops near Westbourne Grove, Westway Arcades, Pembridge Road, and market stalls along Portobello Road.
Kensington and Chelsea Council is investing in the area to ensure the famous street market continues to serve the day-to-day needs of residents while attracting visitors from across the country and the world.
In its latest Council Plan, informed by residents, the Council acknowledged the importance of well-maintained streets are for neighbourhoods. The investment in Portobello Road's public realm will be underpinned by a comprehensive engagement process.
Lead member for the economy with responsibility for markets, Cllr Josh Rendall said:
“Portobello Road is one of our most amazing spaces in Kensington with a unique character. As we invest in the area, we want to act on what our residents, businesses and traders tell us and involve them without making decisions for them. After all, it is people who live and work here that know this community better than anyone else. Recruiting this panel has been a crucial step to making sure the community is involved at every step of the journey.”
Council teams have already intensified their clean-up endeavours along Portobello Road. Their efforts have resulted in the removal of over 80 graffiti items in the market area. A schedule of street washing services will also freshen up pavements, walls and surfaces with an additional programme planned for September.
The next step will be engaging communities in addressing infrastructure. Flood mitigation strategies will be devised to safeguard the area, while a comprehensive review of shared road access will look at how to ensure safe transport flow and connectivity alongside pedestrians, cyclists, and traders.
Lead member for Planning, Place and Environment, Cem Kemahli said:
“These improvements will take some time to get right as we work to protect the rich character of Portobello Market whilst making it resilient for the future. This new panel is a very helpful step to hear from a variety of voices.
“There will be wider consultation too with lots of ways to get involved so the whole community is fairly represented as we look at how the area could be greener and safer. Everyone will have an opportunity to have their say on improvements such as lighting, greening and anti-flood measures.”