Delivery of events in the public space outside Seven Kings station will transform the High St and include a wide section of the community. We also aim to utilise the library for a range of services to enhance trading, entrepreneurialism, health, creativity and social cohesion. Events and services will be delivered by the Business Partnership, Vision RCL, and local voluntary/cultural groups.

A Winter Fayre, summer festival, cultural event and a regular pop-up trading place will animate the area and attract new customers. Extra activities in the library will focus on increasing trade; job opportunities; health; education and training. C.I.L. resources could be used to match fund the project which would contribute to the regeneration and expansion of library provision. Time contributed voluntarily by Partnership members will also be quantified and used for match funding purposes. Seven Kings Inclusion Project (SKIP) will create two distinctive hubs for community activity on the High St.

What we'll deliver:

• Deliver business surgeries, training, health activities, media events, an exhibition space and hub for the Partnership
• Deliver cultural events that will celebrate the rich mix of diversity present in Seven Kings and Goodmayes
• Delivery Community Led Winter Fayre involving local schools, businesses, faith organisations and residents
• Foster a greater relationship between the Council, voluntary groups and the business community
• Provide stalls/gazebos for the purpose of High St trading fully promoted and managed by the Partnership
• Animate a wide paved area that will act as the "town square" and make the High St a destination for all
• Create a space for responsive reporting of issues that impact on traders requiring intervention (i.e fly tipping)
• Resource a variety of activities and services in Seven Kings Library that will be promoted along the High St
• Support special promotions by local High St traders to attract the enhanced footfall created by events

Why it's a great idea:

Simple, deliverable and the community have a desire to enhance their own environment. The Councils Corporate Strategy aims to 'use resources to develop the ability for residents and businesses to support each other, and to 'work with partners to develop a community spirit and sense of belonging by involving residents in the decisions making.

Grass rooted organisations, are happy as a community to interact for the greater good, as we aspire to work hand in hand with the future goals of those who represent us as a borough. The management of expectations will be coordinated by the partnership that has been established as a middle ground between Town Centre Managers, Councillors, local businesses and residents themselves. With intentions to expand our network, we aim to encourage cross connections between other High Streets as well as other neighbouring boroughs for the purpose of long-term sustainability. The application is for £20,000 GLA grant funding

Steps to get it done:

• Consultation with the local community on details and specifics of events and services
• Engage partners that have an offer that is pertinent to the local community (i.e Work Redbridge Job brokerage)
• Commission service providers for event delivery (staging, PA equipment, security, entertainers, lighting etc)
• Create promotional material, social media facilities, and email databases to disseminate information
• Planning and delivery through Seven Kings Business Partnership with a wealth of local contributers
• Work in partnership with the local Council in acquiring permissions, licenses and officer support
• Work in partnership with Vision RCL regarding the use of Seven Kings library

The project requires resources to make it sustainable and attract contributors. There is added value by the fact that two spaces are the focus of the project and that the project can be operational up to and beyond March 2016. The wealth of community members that want the project to be delivered is universal and the project will be supported by Redbridge Council Officers and local ward Councillors.

The project is unique and will bring an array of benefits to the High St but the ultimate goal is to attract investment to the High St, create jobs, increase sales and ensure the the physical infrastructure enhancements planned for the area through being within the Crossrail corridor is complimented by associated community activities.

The Seven Kings Business Partnership has very limited resources and relies on voluntary contributions. The High Street Fund represents an opportunity to turn local aspirations into reality and will be inclusive in terms of the beneficiaries.