Following the latest easing of Covid lockdown restrictions Wandsworth’s Old York Road High St has reopened to the public using our planters to replace on-street parking bays.
The council decided to remove the car parking space in front of the businesses (which were mainly hospitality) to add extra seats and tables for the public as research has shown it is far safer to meet outdoors.
Although the Covid restrictions are unpredictable, what is certain is that the UK’s switch to alfresco dining in recent years was always on the rise, the Covid outbreak has just accelerated the trend.
Businesses that use our Parklets had shown pre-Covid that they impacted the revenue by an average uplift of 30%!
Now the high streets are reopening it is clear that they need to transform into desirable destinations for people to eat and drink and using parking bays is a quick win. Most studies have shown that very little business to the local high arrives in vehicles, most people walk, cycle or catch public transport.
If you have a high street in need of green infrastructure please get in contact!