Lane Change

In the first of a series of articles, Rena Pathak looks at the challenges facing George Lane, which has been chosen as a starting point for a council project to strengthen local high streets

Our high streets are facing challenging times. Changing shopping habits, rising costs and online competition have all altered the way we use them. Yet a thriving high street remains central to community life. George Lane is more than a place to shop; it is somewhere we meet, connect and feel part of South Woodford.

We all want George Lane to flourish, with an appealing mix of independent businesses, familiar brands, restaurants and services that reflect the needs and aspirations of our community. But we have also seen shops come and go, similar businesses repeatedly opening and promising spaces remaining out of reach for those keen to trade here. So, who shapes the future of our high street? I believe three groups have a vital role to play: the community, commercial landlords and their managing agents and Redbridge Council.

As residents and consumers, our choices matter. Every time we shop locally, we contribute to the local economy. But supporting George Lane should not simply be about asking people to spend money here. We must also make it a place where people genuinely want to spend time. Landlords and managing agents have considerable influence too. Their decisions about who occupies retail premises help determine the character of the high street. Commercial considerations are understandable, but the long-term success of their properties is closely connected to the vitality of George Lane as a whole.

Alongside Elaine Atkins, I coordinate the South Woodford Business Network, which brings businesses together. We have heard from local entrepreneurs who struggle to secure suitable premises or expand within South Woodford. Some have described a lack of clarity around how commercial letting decisions are made. Greater dialogue and transparency could help good businesses find a home here. This is where Redbridge Council has an important part to play. In my role as vice-chair of the SOWO Society, I have raised these concerns and discussed our shared ambitions for a sustainable town centre. Encouragingly, the council is supportive, including through its work to identify property owners and managing agents and explore stronger collaboration with them.

There are wider opportunities too, from improving public spaces around the Sainsbury’s site to making better use of underappreciated town centre assets. These improvements, alongside a healthy business mix, can help make George Lane more welcoming and resilient.

This is the beginning of a conversation, not a finished plan. In future articles, I hope to share how these discussions develop and what practical improvements may follow. For now, I invite you to consider: what would make you choose George Lane more often?