Residents lead the way on Totterdown Street design

Since 2023, we’ve been working closely with you to test ideas for how Totterdown Street could be transformed. You told us the area needed more places to sit and gather, more greenery, and fewer cars cutting through during the day. We listened.

Read more about how the revitalised Totterdown Street won gold in the London Design Awards.

Following two phases of consultation and a successful trial, we’re now moving forward with a final design that reflects what local people asked for. The final look includes outdoor seating, new planting, dedicated loading bays, refreshed pavements, cycleways, and reduced traffic. Work will begin in October 2025 and is due to finish by the end of spring 2026.

When we launched the first consultation in March 2023, residents made it clear what Tooting was missing. 

You said:

“Tooting has virtually no public realm and Totterdown Street can be just that.” 

“A well done Town Square on Totterdown Street will really breathe life into the area. Tooting is severely lacking in any public space and Totterdown Street is ripe to be developed into a thriving town square.” 

We did:

• We removed all southbound through traffic by introducing a one-way system and barrier closures between 11am and 7pm, making the area calmer, safer and more pedestrian-friendly. 
• We added more space for seating and planting to make the area greener and more usable during the day. 

Positive feedback from the trial

The changes were introduced as part of a trial that started in summer 2023. During that time, residents, traders and visitors all shared their thoughts, and the feedback has been positive. 

“The road closure is a blessing to the area. The cut-through traffic blights Totterdown Street and the streets off it.” 

“It’s great to see investment in the streetscape. The new paving and planting will make a big difference.” 

“The street has been repurposed as an extension to the market. This creates a nice space to sit and eat and creates new business opportunities for the traders.” 

“Even though it’s not fully pedestrianised, the reduced traffic makes it feel much calmer and safer for everyone.” 

We also heard strong support for other features included in the trial, such as rain gardens outside the market. One resident told us: “More greenery is always welcome. The planters and rain gardens really soften the space and make it more attractive.” 

Another praised the careful balance of access and public space: “Glad to see loading bays and access for businesses like TK Maxx have been considered. It’s important to balance needs.” 

Next phase: permanent improvements begin this October

With strong support and clear resident preference, we’ll now begin delivering the final scheme from October 2025. Works will be phased, with the pedestrian area in front of the market expected to be completed by the end of the year, and the full scheme by spring 2026. 

We’ll install permanent high-quality Yorkstone paving across the pavement, semi-permanent structures for market stalls, more  greening, and new seating areas. The road surface will be completely resurfaced in block paving. Although not fully pedestrianised, access will be restricted to local vehicles and deliveries, helping keep the street quiet and safe for everyone. 

This is your project, designed, tested, and delivered in partnership with the people who live, work and spend time in Tooting. The renewal of Totterdown Street comes at the same time as major improvements for Mitcham Road, as we continue to work to improve Tooting’s public realm, to help build pride in our streets. 

We’ll continue to keep you updated throughout the construction period, and we look forward to delivering a street that the whole community can be proud of.