Al fresco dining introduced in bid to boost business

By Charlotte Lillywhite, Local Democracy Reporter

A new street market with al fresco dining is to open in a bid to boost local businesses. 

Wandsworth council will trial the scheme in Totterdown Street, Tooting, for 12 months.

The council will pedestrianise Totterdown Street between Saint Cyprian’s Street and Blakenham Road to create the street market. 

It will do this by introducing a one-way traffic system from Totterdown Street to Saint Cyprian’s Street to Kellino Street.

The market will have food and drink stalls, along with tables and chairs for customers to enjoy al fresco dining undisturbed by passing traffic. 

Shrubs and bushes in colourful planters will be installed around the seating areas.

The council put together the pilot scheme after consulting with residents and businesses last year on ways to improve Totterdown Street. 

The council’s initial proposals involved pedestrianising a longer stretch of the street, from Tooting High Street to Blakenham Road, which it later revised.

Ali Reed, who runs retro sweet shop The Candy Cane Lounge, in Tooting High Street, welcomed the plans, and said: “As a business, I think it would bring more people. It would be just a nicer area.”

Labour councillor Jenny Yates, cabinet member for transport, said: “We think this is a really exciting pilot initiative that will make this part of Tooting a more prominent local landmark and leisure destination. 

“We hope the new street market, seating, greenery and pedestrianised section will bring people to Totterdown Street and provide a great boost to local businesses.”

Works to introduce the new street market will get under way in the week beginning May 27.

Pictured top: A CGI of the Totterdown Street market plans (Picture: Wandsworth council)