The project develops out of research commissioned by SRP that demonstrated that creating new use for the older buildings on Stratford High Street would energise and invigorate Stratford evening and night time economy which remains sluggish and underdeveloped in spite of the major new developments in the area. LLDC have already commissioned research into the need for affordable workspace for artists and creatives in the area. GLA have identified increasing concern about the impact of redevelopment in East London on creative workspace. The project will identify clusters for concentrated action along the High Street, connecting creative activities and spaces and building upon Stratford's vibrant cultural quarter, . We are requesting £20k from the Mayors Fund and the total project cost will be £25k. Match funding will be provided by SRP, with £3k as in kind contribution for staff time and £2k as cash

What we'll deliver:

• commission detailed research to map the empty properties; .
• Model practical and realisable scenarios for temporary and permanent re-use
• produce a map that identifies potential for clusters of creative and cultural developments
• identify their ownership and reasons why they are empty

Why it's a great idea:

This project forms an important part of a larger vision for the area covered by the new Stratford Original BID which has been successfully voted for by local business and begins operation in April 2015. A key aim is to create a flourishing Evening and Night time economy in the Old Stratford town centre. The project links the new BID with the successful SRP and Stratford Rising and offers the evidence and ideas for the BID to take forward. By identifying sites for a range of different interventions from meanwhile residencies, pop up shops and cafes to more permanent major capital redevelopments and connecting them together, A new Life for Stratford High Street will help to revitalise the area, encourage more visitors, create jobs and opportunities for business and contribute to the vibrant cultural and social day,evening and night time economy that Stratford town centre residents and businesses deserve

Steps to get it done:

• invite and assess proposals, bids and expression of interest for spaces
• produce detailed funding proposals going forward
• Produce Stage 1 Brief and recruit consultant
• Public launch of report and next Steps post report
• Collaborate with local groups and networks to produce High St manifesto
• Design and print map and report
• Evaluate Findings and construct Stage 2 brief accordingly
• Identify and map empty properties and investigate ownership and circumstances
• identify potential clusters for creative activities

Our project meets two of the objectives of the Mayors high Street Fund in relation to:

Occupying Empty Space
Accommodating growth-removing barriers to development

it will offer wide benefits to business, residents and visitors