Venn Street, Clapham

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Judges' comments:

“The recent improvements to Venn Street have created a vibrant new area of sustainable public realm which provides an oasis off the congested Clapham High Street.  A supportive local authority and the shared vision of owners and tenants have helped Venn Street fulfil its potential to thrive, now offering a wide variety of uses and activities to a diverse customer base. From its weekly food market, cinema, and live music venue, to its restaurants and shops, Venn Street proves how changing a small but well-connected street can have a ripple effect across the whole neighbourhood.” - Katy Neaves AoU, Great Street Co-Lead Assessor

Learning from Place

Key takeaways from the Venn Street assessment

• Schemes like this often get shuttled between local authority departments and get stuck in opposing requirements from businesses and residents.
• This scheme has conquered these pitfalls by force of personality from the project sponsors.
• This street is a great example of how bottom up community involvement can work with a
  Council lead and designed scheme.
• A street with a history of anti-social behaviour has become an exemplar and pedestrian priority public realm with a thriving café culture and night life.

Read full assessment report

Thumbnail illustration of Venn Street by David Rudlin AoU, Artist-in-Residence