The Power of Norwood High Street Open Discussion

This is an informal open discussion to learn how Croydon developed a program of ‘meanwhile strategies’ for converting their empty shops into useful spaces. Members of the Regeneration Team together with local artists, business and makers will discuss the benefits from flexible light-industrial workspaces.

The British high street has been in gradual decline for the past 20 years. The number of empty shops in 2020 is at a record high of 12% nationally. However, the COVID-19 lockdown might lead to a re-emergence of the high street because during lockdown, residents have turned to their corner shops for their convenience and proximity to home. We think there is untapped potential in Norwood High Street, which is currently an area with limited commerce but with a wealth of industry, artists and makers working around its edges.

Working with the local community and in collaboration with Station to Station, the Business Improvement District for Tulse Hill and West Norwood, A Small Studio proposes a radical re-think of the use of this high street, as a month-long digital consultation on The Power of Norwood High Street.