Funding pot announced to support Rye Lane businesses during major road closure

28 February 2019

Southwark Council and SGN have announced funding to support traders along Peckham’s Rye Lane whilst the road is closed for gas main replacement works.

SGN announced the essential maintenance work last year and the road was closed in January, with sections of it closed off until January 2020.

To mitigate the effects of the road closure the council has been working with SGN and local organisations to find solutions and continue to drive footfall down Rye Lane.

The funding has been allocated through the council’s High Street Challenge funding for a joint proposal, led by Mountview Theatre of Performing Arts, to develop a year long programme of events in Peckham to support trade and continued footfall on Rye Lane during the works and to promote it as a retail and cultural destination.

The council will also be commissioning additional business support to help small businesses navigate the compensation process and discuss their concerns.

Cllr Kieron Williams, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Skills and Innovation, said: “Rye Lane is one of London’s most vibrant and exciting highstreets thanks to it’s wealth of small and independent businesses. They’re the life blood of the town centre so it’s vital they’re supported through this disruption. That’s why we’ve put in place this extra support from the council. I’m very pleased SGN have agreed to fund it too. We’ll be keeping a very close eye on how things are going."

He added: “The most important message is Peckham is open throughout these works. There really is something for everyone, including some gems hidden away in the arcades. I encourage all your readers to come and explore and to support the independent traders that make it so special.”

SGN's General Manager Drew Reynolds said: "We want to have a lasting positive impact in Rye Lane, not just the obvious benefits from upgrading the gas network to ensure a safe and reliable supply for many years to come. That's why we've worked with Southwark Council to establish a dedicated fund intended to directly support the Peckham community throughout our project.

"Having engaged with the local community, traders and council, we're totally committed to doing all we can to ensure it's business as usual and people continue to visit Rye Lane during our work. We're pleased to be involved and working with the community steering group in creating a programme of exciting events over the coming months."

A steering group, led by Mountview and made up of other local businesses and organisations, will be working up a programme and allocating the funds.

Page last updated: 28 February 2019