New high street ‘pops up’ in Pimlico

A new parade of colourful, modern shops and offices has been opened on Ebury Bridge Road.

The ‘Ebury Edge’ development includes 11 pop up shops, an event space, and seven Covid-secure offices - aimed primarily at local start-up businesses – creating a new high street for the community.

Located next to some of the world’s most valuable property, Chelsea Barracks, and a short walk from Sloane Square, retail space in the area is usually out of reach for smaller local businesses. However, the Edge has been developed by Westminster City Council as a focal point for the existing Ebury community and to provide affordable retail units for fledgling local start-ups.

Despite the ongoing pandemic and economic uncertainty there have been over 100 expressions of interest from potential tenants, with the council prioritising displaced local businesses.

Westminster City Council Leader, Rachael Robathan, said:

“Our work to revitalise Ebury is a long-term project, but we understand you can’t put a community on pause. The estate needs character, a focal point and facilities for local people to enjoy. The Edge development provides that and more with space for local people to follow their dreams and start a business in the community.”

The council is in the middle of a decade-long project to revitalise the surrounding area in a scheme that will see 758, mostly affordable, new homes built on the Ebury Estate. The Edge development is a key part of the project - maintaining and supporting the local community throughout the renewal project.

The pop-up space was designed by architects firm Jan Kattein and will be managed by community interest company ‘Meanwhile Spaces’ over the next four years. While the space is temporary replacement, permanent retail and office units will be built as part of the wider regeneration.

Social Enterprise, Fat Macy’s café, are the first business to take up occupation, with other tenants to follow throughout October and November.

Meg Doherty Founder of Fat Macy’s said:

 Fat Macy's is absolutely delighted to be part of this incredible project, and we can't wait to join this vibrant and beautiful Pimlico community. This opportunity will enable us to grow and develop our training programme, while sharing our delicious food with the community and the people of Pimlico.  

Westminster City Council is taking forward the Ebury Bridge renewal scheme following approval of the preferred scenario in 2018. The scheme will see up to 758 new homes – including 386 affordable homes – which is the largest development of new council and affordable homes in the area in a generation. All current secure tenants and resident leaseholders will have the right to return to a new home. The council wants the new estate to provide a ladder of opportunities for people to live and work in the city.