Battersea’s Northcote Road comes alive as summer pedestrianisation returns

Residents and visitors enjoyed a bustling, pedestrianised Northcote Road on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 July as cafés, restaurants and independent businesses spilled out onto the street to make the most of the summer weather.

The council is pedestrianising the street each weekend this summer and the first one coincided with Sunday’s planned closure for the Northcote Road Summer Festival, hosted and managed by The Junction BID.

Cllr Tom Pridham, Cabinet Member for Opportunity, said: “We were delighted to see so many people enjoying this unique opportunity to shop and dine al fresco in Northcote Road.

"The council’s return of summer pedestrianisation is aimed at supporting local businesses - and this weekend shows that we’re helping to create a popular shopping and dining destination that attracts residents and visitors.”

Local businesses and cafes enjoyed packed terraces, a busy street and families enjoying shopping and dining, live entertainment and community activities. The Northcote Road festival brought more than 50 market stalls, street food, entertainment and a giant screen showing the Wimbledon finals, helping to draw large crowds throughout the day.

Gary Burt, Executive BID Manager said: “Alongside the council's pedestrianisation on Saturday, the Northcote Road Summer Festival on Sunday was funded and organised by the Junction BID, bringing together local businesses, residents and visitors for a busy day of food stalls, live entertainment and family fun.

"In addition to Northcote Road, we encourage people to discover the rest of Clapham Junction town centre - from the independent businesses of St John’s Hill to the myriad of Lavender Hill and St. John’s Road businesses and Battersea Rise’s funky restaurant and bar scene. The Junction is bursting with superb experiences and hip venues to explore - day and night - and we look forward to welcoming more visitors to the area this summer.”

The council’s plan is to support businesses, boost local footfall and provide more space for people to enjoy the area throughout the summer months. Northcote Road will remain pedestrianised every Saturday and Sunday until 30 August, with the road closed to traffic from 6am to 10pm each weekend.

Find out more about the road closures