Tell us your views and enter the prize draw.
So the three big questions are: does Clapton actually want a new weekly street market? If so, what kind of market? And would you like fifty quid?
Yes, these are the fundamental facts to establish before we, your friendly neighbourhood Traders & Residents Association, go any further with bringing back a street market to Chatsworth Road. And we’ve decided that the best way to find out what you think is by knocking up a short survey.
It’s easy to do in just a couple of minutes and – here’s the exciting bit – you could win fifty quid in the prize draw. That’s right! One lucky survey-punter is going to be presented with fifty whole British pounds!
That top one there, it could be yours...
Seriously, prize money aside, we’d love to hear what you think.
We see a well managed market as being a really strong way to boost the whole high street, for everyone’s benefit. We’re thinking that new market stalls, carefully chosen to complement existing shops, will not just offer more choice to residents and shoppers, they’ll bring in new customers for all the independent traders.
Chatsworth Road: time to bring back a market?
But, that’s just our view. And it’s your views that we’re after.
Suggestions, concerns & comments – there’s space for them all in the survey. Please also feel free to email us with more detailed feedback, or post a comment below.
If you ask to be added to the mailing list we’ll start sending you news bulletins on all things Chatsworth. And we will of course be updating these pages regularly too. Good luck and we look forward to hearing what you think!
I am a local designer in children’s wear with my studio just off chatsworth road, I would love the market to come back so I would be able to open my studio on the day…..
Thanks for your support!
Make sure you take the survey so we know your views about the market.
Keep checking back here for more updates and developments.
Bring it on….
we have all been waiting but PLEASE lets avoid being overpriced but still bring in the punters…..
I’m a local artist, this is what this area needs…been here ten years…
I love the fact that on Chatsworth Road I can already buy great fruit and veg, general groceries, and treats / speciality goods from the deli, but what I would really love is somewhere to buy fresh fish and free range meat. If we had that I could pretty much give up on my trips to Tesco. Yay!
The market is a great idea. I would strongly support a local farmers market as a major element of it, with producers from east London / essex / herts offering a realistic chance of eating local. I’d’ like to see real food and other products that people eat and use every day. The market should strive to become an integral part of the Chatsworth area residents’ shopping patterns, not a treat or a visitor attraction. Visitors are welcome, but it needs to work for us! Good luck.
Also, if it is scheduled for a weekday, the market needs to start early in the morning (like 7 or 7:30) so I can go before I leave for work. Otherwise best on Sundays. Saturdays are too busy and would compete with London Fields.
I agree fully with Clare (April 28). I really try to buy my fruit and veg locally but there is a definite lack of access to fresh fish and meat on Chatswerth Rd. Therefore, unfortunately, I find myself in tescos! The market sounds like a wonderful idea and my family is definitely for it, without a doubt.
As a 26 year old Hackney resident (Born & Bred) I can just about remember the Chatsworth road market growing up as a kid. From what I recall, it was a fun & exciting market and it never should have been closed in the first place!
Bringing the market back would generate new money into the borough and would help local traders. I would definately welcome it back.
I have only lived in Clapton for a year, but I would love to see a new street market. It would be great have stalls selling fresh meat and fish, but also other useful non-food things (books, fabric, pots and pans, bike repair stuff etc).
Most of all it would be nice for it to be a market for everyone with the same good mix of shops that there are on Chatsworth Road already – not just loads of overpriced organic delicacies!
i have lived here for the last 17 years and the feed back from the two market festival was outstanding its really good to have it again since it brings the diverse community together and shows what hackney is all about being together
I am 12 and i have lived in hackney for all of my life. As i wasn’t around when there was the chats worth market i would like to bring the market back and feel like a part of history.Another reason i want the market back is so there is a local market around instead of going to places like dalston and london fields to get like groceries and other things
Hi
Just discovered Chatsworth Road today , was very impressed with the two lovely cafes and the bookstore , I would love a market on saturdays. I am a big fan of broadway market and the Walthamstow Farmer’s market. The fish stall at the farmer’s market (E17) is incredible by the way.
Im really confused as to why there seems to be a general oppinion that the market should have the same products as the excisiting stores! What is the point! it wont work, we need alternative suppliers!
Not more of the same! All we will end up with is a blocked and messy version of the street we have already! have some vision!!!
The Chatsworth Road Market was still going when I moved to the area in 1990 and I was very sad to see it disappear with the arrival of major supermarkets nearby. Gradually, many of the wonderful local shops –hardware store, bakery etc.—disappeared and the street became rather forlorn. The once-a-year market days held in early December beginning shortly after the turn of the century were very nice while they lasted, but a regular weekly or even daily street market would be a great boon to local traders and residents.. However, I hope it can be more affordable than the nearby Broadway Market (on Saturdays) which seems to be pitched to Hampstead, rather than Hackney pocketbooks! A market with space for local goods, produce and crafts, priced for locals would be wonderful.
Yeah, I agree with Helen…..bring it on!
I can remember walking past the Eastern Hospital – where the Homerton now stands – and popping into the old bakery on Chatsworth Road for my school lunch circa ’76….
I believe the market can and will thrive again as long as we are all willing to get behind it and perhaps change one or two of our existing habits. And as long as the traders do not attempt to ape Broadway Market the two can operate on the same day in harmony.
For all the so called success of Broadway Market I do not get the same sense of local community as I have on my visits to Ridley Road. If Chatsworth Road Market pitches itself in the right way, the community it serves will be more diverse and richer as a result than the upstart from across London Fields.
Who came up with such an ingenius idea! YES, we need Chatsworth Road to come alive with a more vibrant mix of products and produce that would rreflect the cultural diversity of the area. I would love to not only take part as a shopper but also as a stall holder. I think it would also be a great idea to erect a stage where local talents could perform to; a). showcase their talent and b). entertain passers by. Britain’s Got Talent has highlighted the fact that people just need to be given a chance. This would bring a difference and a uniqueness to the market. I truely believe also, that a variety of stalls selling things like antiques, bric-a-brac, new clothes and shoes, homeware, fresh fruits and vetetables, (how about encouraging allotment holders to sell their produce from a stall?) cosmetics, household products, plants/flowers, furniture and so on, would attract a range of shoppers not only from the local community but beyond; especially with access to the new railway currently on the way; as well as the eurostar that would certainly bring in not only shoppers but possibly new products not easily obtainly in Hackney. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to advertise the market as a tourist attraction either.
There’s a huge number of residents in and around the area that I’m sure, would not only contribute to the market being a success, but would also benefit by adding to their house sales pitch, that there’s easy access to a vibrant market nearby!
I’ve been shopping in Chatsworth Road now for about 3 years. My daughter introduced the shops to me. I go there every saturday and I bought a fantastic turkey in one of the butchers last christmas (’08) – I’ll be queing up again this year mmmm can’t wait. There’s also a calm community spirit along the street.
Come on Hackney lets do it!
Can we do it?
YES WE CAN!
Also by conveniently placing a “Blood Donors van” will contribute to reinforce the sense of community spirit.
Hi
I lived in Hackney 47 years and researched my family tree back as living in Hackney for over 200 years. Chats was ruined when they allowed too many “cheap/toot” stalls to trade. There was nothing exciting to buy. In the last 10 years the only reason that I would use Chats was to use the chemist or order a take away. There is a real opportunity to make this something special – like Broadway Market.
I saw Mare Street the other day and was actually upset at how awful it is. We have such a wonderful theatre – but what shows do they put on? The area up there should have open bars and be exciting. What have we got – a Weatherspoons!!!
They seem to be investing the funds in Dalston and Stratford and we are being over looked.
I totally believe in diversity – but what about me? I’m a minority group as well – I’m an Eastender.
A market on Chatsworth road is a great idea, and it would help build the community. Like many others, I go to a big supermarket for much of my weekly shopping, and would prefer to shop more locally- to help the local economy, and to shop in a friendly local atmosphere.
To work, the market needs to do two key things. It needs to satisfy the daily needs of a wide variety of local people from probably a hundren cultures, and it needs to provide those special things that only markets can.
A market stall is an easy and convenient way to “test the market” and we would definately see people bringing in new foods and other goods faster than if we leave it up to just the shops.
It would be wonderful to have fresh fish, a farmers market, small scale home made foods (jams and cakes!) and crafts, and so on.
I think there should be thought to having half a dozen or so stalls all week- then it would not be such an expedition to get some of the new food opportunities.
I think to introduce back into the local community a market is an idea that has some merit in its development.
It would boost trade for the exisitng shops and traders and also give the area a more focal point.
In order to be successful we have to learn lessons from the botched regeneration ideas abd events that have not worked- Ocean music venue, Stoke Fest etc and any community developments need to be inclusive of established local people and their communities and as such should not be priced out.
Great idea I fully support the development- about time too!!!
Would it be possible you provide me a postal or email address of the association or maybe a representative?
I cannot seem to find any details on this site.
My email:
panopticum@gmx.com
Many thanks!
Firstly – I cannot access any link which enables me to complete the survey –
Secondly having lived in the area (at least off & on) for over 25 years – I’ve got to say that right now with the roadworks and bus routes through totally unsuitable narrow roads already make Chatsworth road one to avoid (if only that were possible).
In my honest & humble opinion a market in Chatsworth Road would make this whole area into the biggest traffic blackspot north of the Thames. Sorry for the negativity but I just can’t see how this could possibly result in any other conclusion.
I would love to see a street full of independent shops, businesses, galleries and totally free of chain establishments. It would be a great boost for local people to live and work in an area they are proud of and not for the area to be associated with violent crime. The local people want to reclaim E5! A market would truly encourage a sense of community and boost the local businesses and local pride.
I agree with the comment about not turning it too pricey and ‘Hampsteadish’. How about something along the lines of Chapel Street in Islington, where you can get just about anything you need? I think fruit and veg stalls, music, bread, hardware, pet stalls, plant stalls, fish, meat, watches and jewellry, bike repairs ,furniture and books would make people less inclined to line the pockets of the large superstores. A space for buskers or street entertainers would also make it appealing!
i would like to rent a market stall in Chatsworth Road how can I do this and is it possible
We both would like a weekly market with things of interest…. good food, craft, plants and much more… at affordable prices. We as artists would be delighted to have a stall selling affordable craft & music… instead of just food as Broadway market has become with a few other token things for sale, all at very high prices.
Can’t find a link to this survey anywhere! Am I just not seeing it?
Hello,
I think the idea to bring back Chatsworth Road market is a wonderful one, and as a local resident I fully support it. I think it is a vital ‘community’ resource and essential to the vitality of the local area. Also, with the threat to Ridley Road market it may become quite vital.
Good luck
Look for the big SURVEY in the top right hand corner of the site. If you still can’t see it, then let me know.
What a fantastic idea! I am 100% in support of the reinstatement of chatsworth road market. Not only will it help to draw in trade and foster a greater sense of community, If I’m honest I hope it will also lead to a greater range of retailers being attracted to the area. I’m not advocating wholesale regeneration but a more diverse shopping experience would do much to encourage people to shop locally, rather than the overabundance of mini grocers and mini markets, as is. Well done to all those that have started campaigning!!
A new weekly marker in Chatsworth will be a positive development. It should be at the weekend. (Sunday preferably since Dalston road and Ridley road markets are closed then). Also traffic would not be too disturbed.
We would like to see the following-:
Organic food and vegetables
Homemade bread and cakes and jams, cheeses etc
Arts and vintage crafts
Books
Flowers
We should NOT replicate the goods being sold by the wonderful PAK and Turkish convenience stores -we do not want them to be threatened
Perhaps it should also include stalls which reflect the religious views of the local community?
It would be really nice to see young men at such stalls propagating their inclusive and tolerant beliefs so that more young people may be recruited into new vigorous religious systems which would prevent them from being attracted to alcohol, paganism, drugs, semi prostitution etc and create a vibrant new cohesive and mono-cultural community.
I fully support the need for a market in Chatsworth Road, and will pay it many a visit
Good luck
Linda
Clapton Pond area is a cultural wastland, in need of some stimulation and residents ned a real alternative shopping experience, which a reinvigorated chatsworth market could offer, since its on the borders of clapton. there is a danger of going down the columbia flower market route, whereby the area is invaded only on a specific day and most products have been gentrified. selling for the most part… apart from gardening related things and plants, ridiculously overpriced things from hats to art deco furniture which i doubt there is a sustainable market for anyway. local people want things they can use, eat and enjoy at a price they can afford i would suggest. then they will keep coming back. not a tourist trap for the unwary!
I like the idea of a market a lot. I’m a Hackney fella born (old Mother’s Hospital) and bred. Have lived in other parts of London, but mostly in and around Lower Clapton/ Homerton/ Hackney Central. Used to go to the market with my mum as a kid, and frequent a place called Henry’s quite a lot. He’d be out front chatting to my mum, while he allowed us (me & my brother) in his backroom to nosh on lots of east European fruit sweets!
I think Chatsworth needs a little bit of reinvigorating. It’s had a fair few new people of late in the area, which any neighbourhood needs, and some new shops/ eateries. But the road still feels like it’s missing something, like all that width is going to waste. A market would be a great way to utilise it’s two strengths – width and straightness – perfect for an amble.
There are some great markets in London, Borough, Broadway Road, Ridley Road, Roman Road, Green Street….and there’s even an example of a vibrant central London shopping thoroughfare in Marylebone High St – stuffed to the gills with independent outfits. Not sure that Chatsworth Road would be suited to that higher-end, more expensive sort of feel, but there’s no reason not to see why that road works in such a corporate-heavy area and see if any lessons can be learned – good landlord policy is one obvious area. And Ridley Road too, it’s become a destination market for so many people. It’s a great big heaving mess of a place, but absolutely fantastic. What you might call a ‘proper’ market.
If Chatsworth Road went down the market route, and it was successful, landlords may well be tempted to see if they could increase rents, or get in more ’stable’ tenants – chain companies, for instance. So any market proposal would need the landlords on board, in full understanding of the needs of the area.
I also agree with one of the posters above, Robert, who mentioned parking. Seeing as Chatsworth Road isn’t on a tube line, and only truly near one overground station, it is something very important to consider if the plan is ambitious enough that the market might become a destination for people from outside the area. Ridley Road is on the doorstep of an overground station, and will soon be very close to a tube station. Broadway Market? It has a nice park and it’s proximity to the centre as it’s selling point. Alas, Millfields is far too bland to be selling point for anything.
On the plus side, there is a lot of potential. Hackney is stuffed with interesting people, interesting professions…things that can be tapped-into. I think it’s a grand idea, but there are a lot of variables.
I would be interested in assisting if there’s anything you might need a hand with; you have my email address.
My family came from hackney and I still visit Ridley Road and Broadway from my home in Essex [my family ran fish stalls in Walthamstow and Hackney until the late 1990s].
The idea of a revived market will only be sustainable if you can provide traders with a chance to build up a strong business and have the ability to sell the goodwill if they needed to. Hackney Council have demonstrated an inability to manage a successful market – the reason the likes of Romford market prosper in the face of strong competition from large retailers is that the pitches are owned by the traders.
The other mistake would be to try and emulate the now common farmers market approach – who does this really benefit? – Chatsworth market was originally conceived to provide locals with cheap access to fresh food stuffs – not fancy french/italian loaves for £2! Broadway is the place for this and I think Chatsworth would do well to try and provide the same level of diversity and value for money that Ridley Road does in Dalston but hopefully in a better managed way!
A market managed by the very traders that operate it would be the best model with support from Hackney LBC. Self regulating and self financed by a committee of likeminded souls I hope!?
Good luck with your plans….
I would recommend setting up a small but hopefully effective management committee who can then coordinate a ‘business case’ for the market. I would be willing to provide some professional support – I am a Housing Development Manager [Regeneration and Planning] by trade but come from a long line of market traders and indeed worked on the markets until my 20s.
I think there shouldnt be a market because theres already enough things to buy in the shops down there.
And yes i would love £50 pound so i can buy presents for people at christmas