Chiswick Could Get Columbia Road Style Flower Market

Monthly Sunday event part of plans to revitalise the High Road

Columbia Road flower market (Image from Wikipedia)

A local consortium has suggested a way to revitalise Chiswick High Road with a Sunday flower market.

The idea for the monthly flower market, and possibly a vintage clothing, and vegan food market, is the brainchild of a group of local residents who want to bring more vibrancy to the High Road.

Having raised the proposal with local flower-shops and garden centres, they say there is definite support for the idea. Horticultural groups have also registered an interest as a place to sell plants.

They believe an ideal site would be the area in front of As Nature Intended, in the car-park, as this used to be where the traditional Chiswick Market was located.

"This could be west London's answer to Columbia Road flower market," said Karen Liebreich, one of the group spearheading the plan.

Columbia Road Flower Market is a street market in Bethnal Green, which attracts thousands of visitors. The market, which is held on Sundays only, in a street lined with Victorian shops off Hackney Road, has brought a welcome spin-off in business to local cafes, restaurants and shops.

The area used to have a market in front of the shops

The W4 consortium of social enterprises, businesses and residents includes commercial surveyor Ollie Saunders, surveyor Steve Nutt and landscape gardener Stefano Marinaz.

An ad hoc committee has now been formed to research the practical aspects of a market, such as parking and deliveries. They will be presenting their ideas and seeking out more suggestions for improving the vitality of the local economy at a special meeting next week (see below for details).

Other ideas being floated include a tenants & landlords club, a vegan food market, and 'shop local' campaign, but all suggestions are welcome.

Nigel Morley, Managing Director of As Nature Intended says; "We are an enthusiastic supporter of the regeneration of high streets, and believe the proposal for a flower market outside our shop will enhance not only the customers experience but more importantly, we believe it’s good for the community. This is in my opinion, good news for traders on Chiswick High Road and we will do what we can to support it. We have a shop in East Dulwich and can clearly see an upturn in customers and ultimately sales when the market is trading."

Other nearby businesses such as the George IV are also very supportive, they say.

The meeting will be on Thursday 20 February at the George IV pub in the Boston Room, from 7.30pm.

You can register for free on Eventbrite

February 15, 2020