A review of Lewisham’s street markets has found they could be enhanced and helped to thrive by improving parking and signage as well as addressing concerns about antisocial behaviour.
The report published on 16 March 2010 was produced by members of the Council’s cross-party Sustainable Development Select Committee following a survey and consultations with market traders, residents and shoppers in Deptford, Catford and Lewisham markets.
The Committee found a major concern for market traders in Deptford and Catford was parking. Their report recommends exploring parking permits for Catford market traders as well as a review of the Deptford controlled parking zone (CPZ) to allow more free parking for customers and stallholders. Traders believed the introduction of the CPZ had reduced custom.
The report also recommends that markets could be better promoted and streetscapes improved. It suggests posters might be installed at bus stops, on buses and at rail and DLR stations, as well as more signage and better street furniture in the town centres.
It also says markets should be better integrated and protected as work on the borough’s regeneration schemes move forward. The Committee has suggested that a Historic Buildings Survey be conducted in Deptford to inform future planning and development and there is a need to raise awareness about conservation among businesses who own or inhabit historic buildings.
Concerns over street drinking in Deptford have led the Committee to recommend that the Council give further consideration to the introduction of a Drink Control Zone and additional measures to tackle antisocial behaviour. The Committee has asked that Safer Neighbourhood Teams patrol local markets and that street lighting be improved to help traders and shoppers feel safer.
Extra storage space for traders, as well as recycling and toilet facilities, have been recommended for all markets.
The Committee noted that the west of the borough had no street market and has suggested the Council consider establishing one in Forest Hill or Sydenham.
Councillor Sue Luxton, Chair of the Sustainable Development Select Committee, said: “Markets are a really important and distinctive part of Lewisham’s local economy, which is why we set out to learn from traders how the Council could help them to thrive.
“Attractive streets, free parking, storage space, better promotion and measures to combat antisocial behaviour were the traders’ top concerns, and are reflected in our recommendations to the Mayor.
“Markets are a source of local jobs, a place to meet and a place to buy cheap, fresh, healthy fruit and veg, so we want the Council to look at how it can best promote and assist them.”
In January 2008, a report published by the London Assembly’s Economic Development, Culture, Sport and Tourism Committee stated that Lewisham market alone generates more than £3.6 million a year for the local economy and provides local employment valued at £400,000.
The report is expected to be considered at a meeting of the Mayor and Cabinet on Wednesday, 24 March 2010.