The idea
Tulse Hill Station area has seen commercial neglect / empty shops in recent times, yet there is promise of major redevelopment in the area with a new gyratory, shops and identity. We want to seize the opportunity this presents for local people to be entrepreneurial, particularly the long-term unemployed. The proposed monthly pop-up market event TWIST on Station Rise has support from Lambeth Council and a series of public consultations have evidenced positive buy-in from local residents, Forums and stakeholders. Events will be Thursdays 3pm–8pm, co-organised with James Wilson CIC where they have already trialled a pavement market without the need for road closures. A good relationship exists with West Norwood Feast market (local knowledge transfer). On the ground logistics for TWIST will be organised in collaboration with Brixton Market CIC (marquees/set-up). Consultation favours affordable products showcasing local skills and culture, strengthening community cohesion & sustainability.
What we'll deliver
- Co-ordinate cleaning & greening scheme with Lambeth Council
- Day-to-day management of TWIST on Station Rise
- Deliver street trade support workshops and training
- Host up to 30 market stalls organising the marquees, lighting, materials etc
- Organise business buddies for the traders
- Provide on-the-ground street strade support with experienced market CIC
- Recruit mainly Lambeth traders with emphasis on Tulse Hill & Thurlow Park residents
- Create branding, logo and website for TWIST on Station Rise
- Promote Tulse Hill shops, pubs, cafes and trading hub as part of TWIST
- Vet traders for evidence of benefits etc. to promote test-trade opportunity
Why it's a great idea
Tree Shepherd believes that everybody has the right to the self-respect and well-being that comes from rewarding employment. For many this is self-employment. They can earn money doing what they have always had a passion for. We nurture many local jobless people (350+) looking for local chances in Lambeth to test-trade or trade their ideas but due to very high competition they have not been able to access the street markets. This is made more frustrating by the fact that several Lambeth markets are organised by companies from outside London with traders (not necessarily local residents) preventing local people from participating. We offer enterprise training at High Trees on Tulse Hill and know there is a wealth of local people in Tulse Hill Estate and the immediate area who want to trade and shop locally. They can sell their produce at reasonable prices that won't alienate their own neighbours and will attract new customers. 2000 commuters pass through the station daily - it's ideal.
Steps to get it done
- Book transport and labour for delivering stalls etc
- Organise a delivery group with partners
- Promote at Lambeth Forest Enterprise Network events
- Secure local traders for TWIST
- Allow the event to gain natural momentum and to flourish
- Ensure all traders on Station Rise are notified of dates and opportunities
- Get market day banners, bunting and equipment organised
- Run an effective marketing campaign
- Run workshops for test-traders and match with trader mentors
- Throughout ensure all partners and stakeholders are kept well-informed
In the past three years West Norwood has seen much needed investment injections from Lambeth, CRP and The Mayor's Fund. This end of the long street has new streetscapes, shop frontage, a new health centre and incoming cinema plus a monthly highly successful market event - FEAST. The Tulse Hill end of the street (beyond the bridge) however has not benefitted from these initiatives - seen by some as the 'poor cousin'. The commuter £ pound is being overlooked. There are plans under way for the gyratory and Norwood Road and the Tulse Hill/Thurlow Park area will benefit from regeneration in the years to come, however 'Twist on Station Rise' 2015/16 is a great way to create a splash now. It will help bring on board and harness the energies of the resident community, creating job and trade opportunities for the less well off. It will also help put Tulse Hill on the map, paving the way for future street markets and events and helping the resident businesses - many of which are new to the area.
