Having missed out on becoming a Portas Pilot by the narrowest of margins, the Bromley North Village Town Team was determined not to lose hope of implementing its plan to rejuvenate the high street.
The Team’s ongoing efforts were today bolstered by news that the Government is making the local group an official Town Team Partner and providing it with a package of support from the Association of Town Centre Management (ATCM) which includes £10,000 worth of funding to help towards putting some of its plans into action.
The Town Team’s main aims include:
- Increasing pedestrian and vehicle footfall to the area through working with the council on public realm improvements and the possibility of opening up the bus lane on the northern end of the High Street to southbound traffic
- Filling vacant premises by encouraging entrepreneurs into Bromley North Village through offering Business Mentoring
- Improving safety and security of the area through improved natural surveillance from increased footfall to the area, improved street lighting and working closely with the police
These proposals have already received widespread support from the local community – including residents, local businesses, the council and the local Metropolitan Police force – but its lead member, Tonina Hoang, Franchise Owner of McDonald’s is still very keen to hear from individuals who want to support the Town Team’s efforts to boost the local economy and revitalise one of the most historic parts of the Borough. Please contact her on these details for more information: toninahoang@hotmail.com
Bob Neill MP, who submitted a funding application to the Government on behalf of Bromley North Village Town Team, commented:
“Tonina, Cllr Harmer and the rest of the Bromley North Village Town Team have some fantastic ideas that will help to increase footfall in the high street and make it a better place for visitors and local businesses alike. I was more than happy to support their bid for some of the Government’s Portas funding and I look forward to working with the team as they turn their ambitious plans into improvements on the ground”
Tonina Hoang, lead member of the Bromley North Village Town Team also welcomed the announcement:
“I am delighted that as Town Team Partners we have secured this package of support from the DCLG. This includes £10,000 that we will use to put some of our innovative ideas in place to improve the north end of Bromley Town into action. It's immensely gratifying to have some tangible support for Bromley. The town team is formed of a network of people who are committed to helping Bromley grow and with this support we can really make a difference”
Councillor Peter Morgan, Executive Councillor for Renewal and Recreation said:
“This is very welcome news for the Bromley North Village Town Team and we will look to work closely with them as they invest this money to increase footfall in the town. This is a year of change for Bromley North as alongside this success for the town team, plans for the public realm improvement scheme are building up steam to revitalise the historic area and the Hill car park’s capacity is being increased, driving forward our long term vision to Build a Better Bromley.”