The Edgware Business Forum has become the latest recipient of a Government grant as part of the Mary Portas Review of local town centres. The application, supported by Matthew, has been successful in receiving a grant of £10,000 to become a Town Team Partner. It is among more than 300 "Town Team Partners" nationwide which will benefit.
The announcement was made on 23rd October by Business Minister Mark Prisk who said the extra help would enable the groups to try out new ideas on the high street, and make them more attractive and competitive. The move comes in the wake of a review by TV retail guru Mary Portas which came up with proposals aimed at turning around the fortunes of the UK's high streets, struggling in the face of growing competition from the internet and out-of-town sites.
Matthew said: “I pay great tribute to the hard work of the Edgware Business Forum which has secured this opportunity. Station Road is a good place to socialise and shop and this message needs to be promoted to local people. I hope traders will work closely with Barnet Council to decide whether changes to the parking layout could increase the number of vehicles that can park at any one time. This, combined with the Alcohol Free Zone, could go a long way to encouraging people to shop locally.”
The Town Team is made up of local businesses and community stakeholders who have come together to address the key issues faced by businesses and to revive Edgware Station Road's prosperity and the wellbeing of its diverse communities.
The Town Team is also working with Barnet Council and the police to explore challenges faced by Edgware, including crime, parking and the future development plans for the area. The injection of this £10,000 grant will help the Town Team to ensure that the right people are on board, equipping them with the best skills to run a successful Town Team that will make a difference in the Town centre. The Town Team will develop a plan of action for Station Road which will include a series of community events to generate interest, excitement and buy-in within the community and beyond to make Edgware a vibrant thriving destination for visitors to spend time in and to make Station Road a great place to shop .
The £10,000 grant comes with a package of support from the Association of Town Centre Management who are offering their expertise to promote shared learning and best practice with the help of retail experts and other town teams from across the country.