High Street Fund FAQs
What is the High Street Fund?
This is money from Harrow Council for improving high streets in the borough. Examples include:
- new and improved crossings
- road safety improvements
- outdoor seating areas and planting spaces
- artistic features
- lighting features.
It does not include shop fronts, general tidying up or litter collection.
Which areas have secured funding?
The following four district centres have received funding for improvements:
- Edgware
- North Harrow
- South Harrow
- Rayners Lane
How will the High Street Fund improve high streets?
Funding will be used to help create a vibrant, safer and more colourful environment. It will improve the overall shopping experience for local residents and businesses.
Changes will be made to the appearance of the high street, such as greening and pavements. These will be complemented with an element of creative visual arts, which will create a more attractive place to shop or visit.
How will the improvements help the local area?
Improving the high streets encourages more use by people who live and work locally. By improving the high street new businesses and visitors will be attracted to the area supporting the local economy.
What types of improvements will there be?
Improvements may include:
- new and improved crossings
- road safety improvements
- outdoor seating areas and planting spaces
- artistic features
- lighting features.
The improvements are selected by the local community for each area.
Have we already decided to have murals/artwork on the high street?
No. Murals are one of several artistic options that have been put forward. Other proposals include graphic art, infographics on walkways and pavements, and way-finding, gateway signage that can be artistically created and personalised to each place.
In North Harrow and Edgware we will not be delivering murals. In South Harrow and Rayners Lane there is support from residents to deliver additional murals.
Are all the high street schemes proposals the same?
The types of problems experienced by high streets are generally very similar, therefore similar types of solutions were initially offered in the proposals.
Changes will be based on local community feedback. Designs will be tailored to the different layouts of each district centre and offer opportunities to reflect the individuality of each area.
What is a Paved (Copenhagen) crossing?
Copenhagen style crossings blend the pavement into the road. This signals to drivers that they are entering a pedestrian area. They give greater priority to pedestrians and cyclists when crossing side roads within the high street. This makes it safer for people to cross the road in a busy pedestrian environment. These types of crossings typically benefit more vulnerable road users such as school children, elderly people and disabled people.
For further details see High Street Fund Descriptions (PDF)
What is a Gateway feature?
Gateway features are physical measures which can include signage to introduce drivers to an area or an art piece. The gateway locations are normally a key place within an area and can be at the key entrance points, outside a station or at a main junction. There is the opportunity to create 'a sense of place' when anyone enters it.
For further details see High Street Fund Descriptions (PDF)
What is Creative Place Making?
"Creative placemaking animates public and private spaces, rejuvenates structures and streetscapes, improves local business viability and public safety, and brings diverse people together to celebrate, inspire, and be inspired”. (Anne Gadwa and Ann Markusen)
For further details see High Street Fund Descriptions (PDF)
What are SUDs?
These are sustainable drainage systems (SUDs) that can reduce hard surfaces and help with water management.
Does the Council consult residents and local businesses?
Consultation and engagement is carried out throughout the project across all four district centres, to gather the views of the local area. It is open to local residents, businesses and communities to give their views. Their feedback is fed into the design stages, to adjust and amend the high street schemes to suit local needs.
How do I have my say on the high street schemes?
Consultation and engagement opportunities are publicised throughout various stages of the project. In the meantime, please read the latest feedback and updates.
How do I contact the council about the High Street Fund?
Email edo@harrow.gov.uk or write to: Community Engagement, Harrow Council, PO Box 65, Harrow, HA1 2XG