Colourful parade of shops in Pimlico aims to attract new businesses with affordable rents
By Owen Sheppard, Local Democracy Reporter
An eye-catching parade of 11 new pop-up shops has opened in Pimlico with “affordable rents” for new, small businesses.
Westminster council opened the colourful row of shops this week along Ebury Bridge Road, in one of London’s most affluent districts.
Named the Ebury Edge, the units will also be prioritised for businesses needing to relocate during redevelopment of the Ebury Bridge Estate.
Social enterprise Fat Macy’s Café was the first of the new tenants to arrive, with other tenants to follow throughout October and November.
Meg Doherty, founder of Fat Macy’s, said: “We can’t wait to join this vibrant and beautiful Pimlico community.
“This opportunity will enable us to grow and develop our training programme, while sharing our delicious food with the community and the people of Pimlico.”
The charity provides training in the catering industry to young people living in temporary or emergency council housing, to help them find employment and live independently.
Their teams cater for businesses, supper clubs and events.
Westminster council leader Rachael Robathan said: “Our work to revitalise Ebury is a long-term project, but we understand you can’t put a community on pause.
“The estate needs character, a focal point and facilities for local people to enjoy.
“The Edge development provides that and more with space for local people to follow their dreams and start a business in the community.”
The estate regeneration will see all of the estate’s blocks demolished and replaced with 758 homes, of which 50 per cent will be affordable.
Pictured top: Fat Macy’s staff and volunteers at the opening of their new cafe in the Ebury Edge (Picture: Westminster council)
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