Enfield Council is running a public consultation on its plans to help revive Southgate, reports Grace Howarth, Local Democracy Reporter

Enfield Council is seeking views from residents on a new ‘masterplan’ to help revive Southgate town centre.

Southgate is one of Enfield’s main town centres, with good connections to central London, green spaces, and rich 1930s architecture, including its famous Grade 2*-listed tube station.

However, the council has said the town centre is currently affected by a series of “challenges” contributing to the creation of an “unwelcoming environment for residents and visitors”.

As a “first step” the council’s ‘Journeys and Places’ team has delivered two new parklets in Ashfield Parade, three rain gardens along Chase Side, Southgate’s main high street, and a new pocket park near the station.

The council says it now wants to engage residents and businesses in the “next phase of this conversation” with a focus on the public realm and transport facilities.

The council highlighted in its ‘vision boards’ the town centre’s heavy car usage and congestion and parking issues, stating crossings and pedestrian safety around the tube and bus station “could be improved”.

The high street has a “low occupancy level” from businesses, but the council says vacant units such as the disused police station “could be occupied as a meanwhile use”.

Ashfield Parade has been identified as a “potential cultural place” for the area and a public square, market, or play street could help “realise” this “vision”.

Chase Side similarly, given its “wide pavements”, could be made “more vibrant and attractive” using public art, seating and play areas, or further street greening.

The consultation shows the council’s proposals for the area and residents have until 15th December to fill in an online survey to give feedback.

Jane Maggs, vice chair of Southgate District Civic Voice (SDCV), a local voluntary group, said: “SDCV is excited to see the council engaging in the next stage of Southgate’s regeneration. At [Wednesday’s] community event there was a buzz of discussion, sharing of ideas and interest in our town centre.

“We recognise the ongoing hard work by council officers and local volunteers in making Southgate Station and its surroundings a jewel in the crown for Enfield. Each change made becomes another step forward to resurrecting the town centre for everyone.

“We hope that this programme of change will lead to future discussions with landlords and other stakeholders.”

Another event is being held on Saturday, 7th December, from 2pm until 5pm, at the new pocket park in front of Nando’s to celebrate the launch of both this park and the Chase Side rain gardens, with attendees invited to share their views on the proposed masterplan.

Results from the engagement will be published early next year and the Southgate masterplan will be developed and published later in 2025.

For more information and to take part in the survey:
Visit Share your views on Southgate Town Centre

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