Sustainability & Environmental Consulting

In Hackbridge, Sutton, UK, a significant transformation was undertaken to revitalize a deteriorating local shopping parade that was adversely affected by speeding traffic and a lack of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. The project, led by Bioregional in partnership with the local council and community, aimed to enhance the area's competitiveness and eco-efficiency while making it more attractive for pedestrians. The initiative was part of a £1.4 million regeneration program funded by the Mayor of London’s Outer London Fund, addressing the challenges posed by upcoming housing and retail developments in surrounding brownfield sites.

The tailored solution included a multifaceted approach that focused on local economic development, sustainable business operations, and community engagement. Bioregional worked with 23 local traders to diversify their offerings and reduce energy costs, which was crucial for their competitiveness. Notably, the project introduced south London’s first Marine Stewardship Council-certified fish & chip shop and a solar-powered coffee van, showcasing a commitment to sustainable business practices. Community development efforts included organizing family events and establishing a local business network to foster collaboration among traders.

Key infrastructural improvements were also made, such as implementing a traffic calming scheme that enhanced safety through a redesigned highway layout and new pedestrian crossing points. The street setting was transformed with wider pavements, new trees, seating, cycle facilities, rain gardens, and improved signage. A new ‘Pocket Park’ was created, turning a neglected area plagued by fly-tipping into a tranquil green space, enhancing the overall aesthetic and usability of the shopping area.

The impact of these changes was quantitatively assessed through a visitor survey conducted in Spring 2015, which compared results to a baseline survey from 2012. The findings revealed a marked improvement in community engagement and economic activity: the percentage of visitors who frequented the shops daily doubled from 31% to 63%, those rating local shops as poor or very poor dropped from 26% to 8%, and the proportion of visitors spending more than £10 per visit increased from 49% to 58%. Additionally, the time spent in the area rose significantly, with visitors spending more than 15 minutes increasing from 25% to 55%. Overall, the project not only created five new jobs but also fostered a sense of community and revitalized the local economy.