The Brixton masterplan (2009) was our starting point. It identified two priorities - sustainability and enhancing the area’s unique heritage. Between June and September 2012 we held workshops, market stall events and online discussions with local people. This is what we learned:

1. People love Brixton

We want to celebrate the things that make Brixton special now This includes supporting the markets; involving the energy and enterprise of local people; and providing better signage for people to discover local attractions.

2. Brixton should support a diverse economy

We want a successful shopping area which balances market stalls and independent shops with major high street brands. We also want workspaces that support local entrepreneurs and a variety of leisure and cultural activities that make Brixton a great place to go for an evening out.

Supporting and promoting Brixton’s strengths will help businesses to thrive and create new job opportunities. We expect new jobs to come from the retail sector, leisure and visitor attractions, new enterprise, and jobs in every aspect of the construction industry.

More local training opportunities will help residents apply for these jobs or feel more confident to start and grow a business.

3. The importance of social infrastructure

We want high-quality leisure and cultural facilities for people of all ages to meet the demands of a growing population. This includes improving the Brixton Recreation Centre to enable a wider range of people to use the facilities. We also want to encourage the use of St Matthew’s Peace Gardens and to make the most of public spaces around the Town Hall, outside the police station and at the junction of Coldharbour Lane with Somerleyton Road.

4. Provide homes for all

We identify four key investment areas where we want to provide the homes that people need now and in the future. A range of unit sizes and tenures will help create mixed communities.

5. Improve access and connections

We want to make it easier and more pleasant to walk around the town centre. This includes improving the look of Pope’s Road, Atlantic Road and Brighton Terrace (among others); working with Network Rail to open up routes
underneath the railway lines; and better pedestrian crossings.

We also want to make it easier to visit the town centre. The rail station and Station Arcade need a facelift, along with better staircases and lifts to the platforms. In the longer term, new platforms could allow Brixton to connect to the London Overground network.

Other suggestions include re-opening the rear entrance to the tube station to improve connections between tube and rail services; introducing bike hire facilities; more cycle and car parking.

6. Respect local character

The markets are a major reason why people come to Brixton and they can be even better. We want better support services for traders, including parking, storage space and waste management; and to improve the look of stalls and the surrounding area, while respecting the heritage.

7. Keep it safe

Through simple measures we can make people feel more comfortable in the town centre. Better lighting and well designed public spaces can also make a big difference.

8. Sustainable Brixton

We want Brixton to become self-sufficient in terms of its energy, water and waste. Roof spaces of existing and new buildings should be used for energy generation and growing food.

9. Use every space

We want to make the most of all public spaces to create an attractive and safe environment. We also want to bring underused buildings, such as the upper floors along Electric Avenue and Brixton Road, back into use as homes or work spaces.

10. Make it happen

This SPD suggests what the council and community want and will help us to work with developers. It identifies four key investment areas and we will need to work with local people to really make it happen. Work has already
started on some projects - Somerleyton Road and SW2 Enterprise Centre.

We can encourage investment in Brixton and we will also need to unlock the value of council owned assets to pay for the benefits that we outline here.

SPD; SPD consultation; Questionnaire; SPD vision statement; Four investment areas