15 Aug Year-long programme supporting high streets will bring business, culture and creativity together

Kingston council has awarded more than £190,000 to local businesses to support high street recovery across Chessington, Tolworth, Surbiton, New Malden and Kingston.

The High Street Grant award programme brings together local festivals and events, public realm improvements, creative high street interventions, as well as a focus on night time economy.

Old London Road will come alive over the coming months with outdoor events bringing together food and culture, and a cultural trail in town centre will connect businesses with local creatives.

In New Malden, Tolworth and North Chessington, local businesses and communities will come together to deliver a programme of business engagement, animating town centres and shopping parades. In Surbiton, a food festival will shine a spotlight on local food and drink businesses.

Councillor John Sweeney, Portfolio Holder for Business at Kingston Council, said: “Everyone is aware of the turmoil our high streets have faced over the last year. We wanted to help kick-start their recovery by drawing on the energy and creativity already out there in the business and resident communities.

“Thank you to all those that have committed so much to bring these initiatives forward. We hope this is a starting point for recovery and the council will be strengthening its focus to support this further in coming months.”

The High Street Grant awards were devised in response to community feedback this spring – with more than 110 people providing ideas and comments on the council’s Let’s Talk platform for the future of the borough’s high streets.