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The mayor of London has announced 15 hospitality projects will receive a share of nearly £500,000 to expand outdoor dining and events this summer.
Sadiq Khan said the Summer Streets fund will support 13 local authorities and hospitality businesses to deliver markets, family events and extended trading hours.
The announcement coincides with the introduction of new strategic licensing powers for the mayor, marking the first time a UK mayor has held a formal role in the licensing process.
Four larger projects in Barking and Dagenham, Brent, Greenwich and Lambeth have each received grants of up to £100,000 to transform local areas. Short Blue Place in Barking will become a food market, while Wembley High Road, Ealing Road and Kingsbury will host more than 40 events between them.
In Greenwich, Woolwich town centre will host screenings of the football World Cup and Wimbledon. Lower Marsh in Waterloo will close to traffic on Saturdays to provide outdoor seating and theatre screenings.
Some 11 smaller schemes in boroughs including Camden, Ealing, Haringey and Hounslow will receive up to £10,000 each for night markets and community events.
Transport for London (TfL) will also introduce a Weekend Hopper fare between 25 July and 31 August, allowing unlimited bus and tram travel for a single fare on Saturdays and Sundays.
The funding builds on last year’s pilot scheme, which supported outdoor dining in Westminster, Lambeth, Hackney and Waltham Forest.
The new powers allow the mayor to create a London-wide strategic licensing policy, make formal representations on local decisions and call in strategically important cases. A test service will begin later this summer, with City Hall reviewing all licensing applications across the capital.
Khan said: “I’m delighted that we’re working with boroughs and local businesses to bring al fresco dining, live music, events and later opening hours to streets across our capital. From Woolwich to Willesden Green, Finsbury Park to Feltham, and right in the heart of the capital in Waterloo, this investment will create new outdoor spaces, support local businesses and give Londoners and visitors even more reasons to get out and enjoy our city.
“Today also marks a landmark moment for London’s licensing system as for the first time ever City Hall has a direct say in how licensing decisions are made across the capital. By making it easier to extend opening hours and expand what’s on offer, I’m determined to support our hospitality and nightlife, as we build a better London for everyone.”
Kate Nicholls, chair of UKHospitality, added: “It’s fantastic to see so many London boroughs taking advantage of the Mayor’s summer streets fund. From food markets and al fresco dining to World Cup screenings, it shows the power of hospitality to drive activity and bring our communities together. I look forward to seeing the success of all the events this summer.”
