The historic Queens Market is the unrealised ‘jewel in the crown’ of the dense, diverse, busy but deprived, Green Street neighbourhood. The project is designed to strengthen the connection between market traders and high street businesses, to develop a much-needed public space; and to stimulate long-term aspirations.

A procession of vivid banners will flow along Green Street, replacing the stream of traffic with a dynamic illustration of the rich variety of local trade and community. The banners will be carried by the market traders, local tailors, traders, residents and school children who made them together over the previous six months. All materials will be sourced from the street and the production will harness and share local making skills.

The procession will end at Queen's Market where the banners will be ceremoniously installed as a lasting legacy of the procession. The day will culminate in a celebratory afternoon of community games, food, performance, and music in the market.

What we'll deliver:

• Deliver six months of workshops and collective making in community settings facilitated by commissioned artists
• Formulate Green Street Vision with local business forum including planning future celebratory events
• Host afternoon of family-friendly activities at Queen's Market on 31 August
• Install the banners as a lasting legacy in relevant locations in Queen's Market
• Maintain on-going discussions with those involved to set up a local business forum
• Organise and produce a vibrant procession along Green Street
• Build partnership between relevant businesses and community groups (both young and old)

Why it's a great idea:

Though an integral and valued asset to the area, Queen's Market sits back from the high street and does not connect well with the bustling life of Green Street. By connecting stallholders with high street retailers and visually animating the market, the project aims to enhance the market's capacity as an inviting public space as well as boosting its economic prospects.

Legacy is at the heart of this project and the physical transformation of the market is integral to improving the wider experience of Green Street for residents, visitors and traders. The project is embedded in the specificity of this place, exploiting and highlighting the area’s unique connection to tailoring and fabric, and celebrating the fact that Green Street is home to over 400 independent retailers. The making, sourcing and showing of banners happens within the place with direct economic benefit to local businesses, and ensuring local ownership within residential and business communities.

Steps to get it done:

• Appoint creative producer and set design framework for banners
• Deliver banner workshops bringing community groups and local businesses together to exchange knowledge and ideas
• Organise relevant street closures, permissions and security
• Publicise the Green Street Procession and Queen's Market event
• Secure funding of £20,000 from the GLA and raise additional funding required
• Seek further funding for the redecoration and resurfacing of Queens Market (currently in progress)
• Complete discussions with local community groups to establish strong partnerships and roles
• Evaluate project with project partners and ensure legacy aspects are followed through
• Launch local business forum
• Plan and coordinate Queen's Market event with relevant community groups
• Purchase materials and relevant services from local businesses
• Stage procession and events
• Support on-going banner making sessions across community settings

The following community groups, organisations and businesses have pledged their support of the programme, and expressed a desire to take part in the procession and the event at Queen's Market. Should funding be secured further conversations will begin to establish strong specific roles for each organisation in the project.

Aston Mansfield
Renewal Programme
NCY Trust
activeNewham
Sheba Project
West Ham Community Trust
Hamara Ghar
Subco Trust
Age UK
Groups at Katherine Road Community Centre
Green Street Library
Queens Market Traders
Faculty
Local Schools
Green Street Tesco
Dorset Road Community Gardens

The Council has pledged to match funding by 25% of whatever is raised. We are looking to apply for £20,000 from the GLA for this project. Further funding will be sought from ACE and Newham delivery partners and businesses.