Devonshire Square has been created at a Green Lanes road junction on a trial basis

A winter market has helped launch Enfield’s newest public square.

Devonshire Square in Palmers Green has been created at the junction of Devonshire Road and Green Lanes and is now being used – on a trial basis – as a public space for events and other community uses.

At the weekend the square’s inaugural market took place, with local independent traders invited to sell their winter wares alongside hot food and live music.

Devonshire Square provides extra seating and dining space, a place for “relaxation and repose” and a “focal point to attract people to the town centre and engage in positive activities”.

Created by Enfield Council in co-ordination with Palmers Green Action Team (PGAT), a community group aiming to support the local economy in Green Lanes, the square will remain in place as a trial for 18 months, with a public consultation now open.

The £100,000 spent on the Devonshire Square project came from a Covid-19 grant made by the government to the council last year during the last lockdown restrictions, with the aim of supporting the recovery of local businesses.

If the square is deemed successful it will be made permanent, with the potential for additional features to be added in future.

Chinelo Anyanwu, council cabinet member for public spaces, culture and local economy, attended Saturday’s winter market at the square and met some of the PGAT team. She said: “This has been a truly collaborative project with the council’s town centre development team and Jan Kattein Architects, businesses located on Devonshire Road as well as representatives from the Palmers Green Action Team (PGAT) and Fox Lane Residents Association.

“The resounding message from both business owners and residents was that they wanted to attract people to the town centre and for there to be a focal point for events, activities and art installations. The al-fresco dining area, surrounded by planters, lighting and bespoke furniture is fantastic and I am glad we can support local businesses to expand their offering within this beautiful square.”

PGAT organised and hosted the market itself, inviting local traders who sold gifts and decorations for the festive season. They were accompanied by live music from local musicians throughout the day.

Liz Robinson, from the PGAT team, said: “The Devonshire Square initiative is helping to increase footfall, making the high street a place to enjoy and spend time with friends and family and providing opportunities like the winter market to help the community to come together.

“If it’s successful, we’d love to see the market held here every quarter.”

Have your say on Devonshire Square and the council’s action plan for Palmers Green:
Email [email protected]
Visit letstalk.enfield.gov.uk/palmersgreenap

An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated the amount of money spent on Devonshire Square as £200,000 rather than £100,000

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