A talented cluster of top Tottenham independent traders are boasting stunning new shop fronts after the finishing touches were done to Haringey Council project to transform them with bespoke designs. Around 25 shopkeepers on Tottenham High Road and West Green Road worked closely with architects to design the funky frontages – and are already reporting a boost in trade.
The £90,000 scheme – funded by the Greater London Authority and business owners – also saw experts YOU&ME Architecture hold workshops with local residents to ensure the new designs fit in with the area’s character.
And local people had the first look at the dashing displays for themselves by joining a guided walk along the two streets on Saturday.
Among the shops to receive a makeover were party shop Celebration Partyware, convenience store GNTC and mini-market Kejetia – with the facelifts a key part of the council’s regeneration work to make the area more welcoming for shoppers.
Councillor Alan Strickland, Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration, said: "These fantastic designs mean some of Tottenham’s favourite independent businesses are looking better than ever, and it’s great to hear that more shoppers are discovering the huge range of stores on their doorstep."
The council’s 20-year plan for regeneration in Tottenham, based on the feedback of thousands of local people, sets out how supporting the area’s existing traders while attracting new businesses is key to securing a better high street and more job opportunities.
Co-founders of YOU&ME Architecture, Alicja Borkowska and Iris Papadatou, said: "We have worked closely with local business to develop their existing brand and individuality on the high street. Our approach has been to group the shops in a series of 'clusters' on the high street strategically located to maximise impact and encourage further future growth and investment. We have focused on shops in particular bad condition and key corner units whose gable ends often give opportunities for artworks.
NULL"The designs take cues from the area's rich history, community stories, as well as the amazing range of service and products available along West Green Road and High Road. Kejetia's windows display food products from plantain to African bitters; West Green Carpets takes persian rug patterns to create patterns on the shops side shutters which are permanently down; an artwork on Gunaydin side elevation depicts the story of Seven Sisters’ trees and Bucky’s News embellishes the Victorian architecture of the high street creating a bay window motif on the shopfront. It’s been a great process!"
Businesses in north Tottenham are also set to benefit from a £1.5million scheme to restore historic shop fronts to their former glory, with early design work with traders due to start soon.
Traders in Myddleton Road, Bounds Green, have also seen shop fronts restored as part of efforts to attract more shoppers to the range of independent stores on the street.