Forum topic: Regenerating Palmers Green town centre

That would be Waltham Forest Mini Holland you speak of.....

Cobbles?

Orcas in the middle of the highway have been argued as a vehement public health hazard, causing untold injuries, and you think cobbles across the whole of green lanes in the answer?!

Sometimes, a bit like Brexit, 50s Britain isn't always better and shouldn't be aspired to. PG is finally doing well coming out of a malaise with an improving high street environment and some interesting local/independent retailers. If more people visit and spend then this will continue to improve.

Landlords want to make money. Empty shops lose them money. If it was a simple as lowering rent demands then they'd all do that. Huge stores that aren't fit for modern retailer need (unless a national multiple retailer can be attracted, which PG is long way off having the strength to) will not let regardless of rental levels. No coffee shop could survive in that Starbucks unit. They'll be a long time to fill I think......

I'm laying out my vision using pictures. All of these images are of are of London streets :



Click here to enlarge

Myddleton Road
Crouch End Broadway
Colombia Road
Walthamstow Village
Muswell Hill
Tufnell Park
Broadway Market
etc.
They all have charm and character. There are strong densities of independent shops. Shop design - both inside and out - is important. The pedestrian experience is paramount. There are plenty of reasons to visit and to dwell. The environment is attractive. The shops are providing the customer what they want. Events like market days complement the permanent fixtures. There is a mixture of retail, leisure and lifestyle uses. These streets have an identity. They are modern uptakes on the traditional high street.

Palmers Green could be on this mood board - with the right changes.

Absolutely charming...This is how our local high streets and shops should look like...it almost feels like your in beautiful Europe...maybe we should get are ideas and innovation from our neighbours...they are always looking jolly maybe it's because they care more how they live then we do...

Peter George Regeneration Director emailed me telling me that he will be taking a walk along PG and Green Lanes in May to see what changes needs to be done, it may help if the public emailed him with ideas and suggestions...

It's great that we all show we do care but we need to take all our ideas and email them to Peter George to show we are serious to make a change. He would love to know that our community is passionate to make a difference.

Joe - you have the most misty eyed view of Europe I have ever come across. Almost feels like you've either not actually been there much or have many many years ago hence you wistful longing.

Vaste swathes of northern and eastern European towns are complete dumps. There is lots and lots of loveliness not doubt, but the excellent pictures above are no more common or representative of Europe than they are British towns and villages.

A major step forward to improving street scenes (and one shown to reap dividends in other comparable northern European cities) is the priority of walking and cycling and aggressive reduction in car use/dependency. We need more mini-hollands, not more moaning about them.

Peter George Regeneration Director emailed me telling me that he will be taking a walk along PG and Green Lanes, to see what changes needs to be done, it may help if the public emailed him with ideas and suggestions...

It's great that we all show we do care but we need to take all our ideas and email them to Peter George to show we are serious to make a change.

A few years ago many residents took part in an extensive consultation exercise on how improve the Town Centre. The Council had a mobile office in Green Lanes and many visited to give their views. Most of the comments/feedback will still be relevant so suggest Peter reviews that input.