02 Mar Reopening Hammersmith Forum
On Tuesday 2 March, the BID hosted a Business Forum: Reopening Hammersmith. A wide range of Hammersmith’s businesses, including retail, hospitality and the office sector, were welcomed to discuss the BID’s plans to support the town centre recovery.
The BID team shared with participants its campaign document – Reopening Hammersmith – which lays out a raft of support and proposals that will be rolled out in the short and medium term.
Divided into three main sections, High Street Recovery; Hybrid Working; and Safer Travel, the plans incorporate ongoing projects such as Shop Local Shop Safe, but also introduce new initiatives that go further to address new ways of working, and new trading pressures.
Some examples include the proposed expansion of Parcels not Pollution, to provide a home delivery service for local retailers, who might otherwise be competing with online retail; and the provision of new hand sanitiser stations, to complement the existing enhanced cleansing that the BID is providing for the town centre. In addition, the BID intends to increase its focus on sustainable commuting, whilst developing a new Public Realm vision for the town centre.
A poll conducted as part of the event showed that 60% of attendees were concerned about High Street Recovery, with a further 15% citing Hybrid Working as a key area for their businesses, and 15% interested in safer travel solutions.
Guest speakers included Sgt Will Davies of the Met Police Business Engagement Team, who explained some of the measures being taken to protect businesses from shoplifting and violent crime; and Carol Fregiste-Thomas of Hammersmith & Fulham Council’s Community Safety team, which is also working to reduce anti-social behaviour and crime. The group was also given an update on Business Grants, ahead of tomorrow’s Budget announcements.
The BID team welcomes feedback and suggestions on its plans for Reopening Hammersmith, which is likely to evolve as the stages of the lockdown are lifted. To read a copy of the document, click here.
To listen to a full recording of the Forum, view below.