New commercial space will be provided at ground-floor level, with entrances facing on to newly-landscaped streets and public spaces, which will encourage people to pass by the new businesses.
Uses
The outline planning permission for the masterplan allowed a range of uses, including shops, hairdressers and post offices; professional and financial services, such as studios, banks and solicitors; restaurants and cafés; takeaways; and business offices.
We have identified several uses within these that will contribute to new active and vibrant public spaces. New shops, cafés and eateries at Block 8 and Block 9 will complement the new public square, providing opportunities for outdoor dining on newly landscaped pavements.
Commercial Strategy
A strategy to complement the area and respond to feedback
We’ve been working on a commercial strategy for the Phase 2b and Phase 3 of the regeneration, to ensure that the new spaces are flexible, complement and contribute to the local economy, and do not lie empty.
This has considered several key themes highlighted in feedback from the local community, including:
- Local markets/supermarkets for new residents and the wider community
- Encourage small and independent retailers
- Uses complementing rather than competing with existing businesses in the area
The Council has set out its priorities for development in the area in their ‘Supplementary Planning Document’ (SPD). These include extending retail uses along the entire length of Portobello Road to Ladbroke Grove – which the Phase 3 proposals achieve.
As well as contributing to the vibrancy of the area and providing goods and services to the growing community, it is expected that the proposed commercial spaces will support up to 90 new jobs.
