The Big Shift Business Parklet scheme is open to businesses, Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), private organisations, schools, and charities who want to apply for their own kerbside space to improve their local area.
The parklets can be used for a variety of uses from creating more space for the business, to adding outdoor seating and tables, creating a community hub and attract new customers. They would be established in the kerbside – the space between the road and pavement – to provide extra outdoor commercial space.
Find out how to apply for a Business Parklet of your own
Deputy council leader Cllr Rezina Chowdhury, cabinet member for Sustainable Lambeth and Clean Air, said: “Parklets can open-up new possibilities for businesses by using the kerbside space outside their premises in new and innovative ways.
“It gives businesses a chance to try outdoor seating or dining or provide more secure cycle storage to make it easier for people who are cycling to visit.
“The expansion of our parklet programme to include commercial businesses is an exciting step on the way to transforming our borough to be a more pleasant place to live and work, more sustainable and use creative solutions to support local businesses, which is the lifeblood of our borough.”
The new Business Parklet scheme asks businesses to secure support from others in the neighbourhood before submitting an expression of interest for a parklet of their own.
The council will support shortlisted applicants throughout the process, including advice on licensing and elements of design. Businesses will maintain the parklet and be responsible for its long-term upkeep.
Lambeth Council ran a pilot of the Business Parklet scheme this year where participants said they “reinvigorated” the area to make it more attractive and enhance the whole street.
The parklets can also provide cycle parking for staff and customers and gives businesses the chance to be creative with how they use the space.
The Big Shift Community Parklet Scheme is still open for applications from residents, or groups of residents, who wish to create their own parklet in their local neighbourhood.
Cllr Chowdhury added: “Lambeth Council has been clear with our ambition to reduce the amount of space we reserve for car parking and instead use it for everyone’s benefit. Business Parklets, as well as our resident-led Community Parklet scheme, give us all a chance to be creative with how we use our shared public space.”
