Middlesex Street Regeneration Programme - Overview
Petticoat Lane is the name of the famous East End market, running along mainly Middlesex Street and Wentworth Street. The street offers fashion, bric-a-brac, luggage, souvenirs, hairdressers, cafés and hot food. Many businesses are independent family-run; the street is free of chain stores. Shops and markets serve mostly local residents, budget-conscious customer base or niche business, as well as office workers from nearby areas. The pandemic has hit local businesses and market stall holders hard and has exacerbated further decline in the street as business income is reduced and some businesses are forced to close.
The conservation area is in a poor condition and is registered on Historic England's list of 'Heritage at Risk' due to loss of historic details, inappropriate change and lack of maintenance. Developmental pressure from neighbouring areas such as Bishopsgate, Spitalfields and Aldgate and from within the conservation area threaten the special historic character of the conservation area and put it at risk of losing its designation. Paradoxically, it is this lack of investment in the conservation area has meant that Wentworth Street has retained much of its historic quality and charm of mainly 19th century low rise, narrow frontage, fine grain buildings and the market stalls, creating a continuous, harmonious and charming townscape.
Current regeneration plans will use the built historic environment on Wentworth Street and neighbouring streets to act as a catalyst to support local businesses by developing its distinctive identity and the social vitality of the street. Funding for the programme comes from LBTH through section 106 obligations as part of the 'Middlesex Street Regeneration Programme' and from Historic England through the national 'High Street Heritage Action Zone' funding scheme. The programme has as its goal making the high street a more attractive, engaging and vibrant place for people to live, work and spend time.
Alongside shopfront improvements, improved public spaces and the repair and conversion of the disused underground Victorian toilet on Leyden Street, there will be a cultural programme, historic building skills training and locally commissioned art work. LBTH is also working with the City of London to improve operations and layout of the market, introduce better facilities, enhance the public realm and introduce a new brand for the market.
Projects
- Shopfront restoration and refurbishment - Revitalisation of Wentworth Street business frontages to reduce the number of solid shutters for open grilles, as well as restoring tired properties to their original look.
- Leyden Street Toilets - Refurbishment of the Leyden Street toilets to re-provide a public accessible toilet as well as a new commercial space for a food & beverage operator.
- Petticoat Lane Art Trail - Supporting local artists with opportunities to create murals on gable walls, working with creative stakeholders to install art pieces, improve links and wayfinding to neighbouring areas.
- Public Realm Improvements - Redesigning and creating new public space within the Petticoat Lane Market area. Creating green spaces and places for seating to enjoy on market days as well as lighting, wayfinding and pavement upgrades.
If you would like more information about any of these projects, highstreets@towerhamlets.gov.uk. or call 0207 345 6854 to arrange a callback.
