Within the context of the forthcoming £300m redevelopment of Chrisp Street Market, The Chrisp Street Exchange modernised and improved space for local enterprise.
It provided new opportunities for local entrepreneurs, supported the development of business skills within the local community and generated local ownership and pride of place.
With investment from the Mayor of London’s High Street Fund, the initial programme consisted of three interrelated sets of interventions (space, knowledge and connections) designed to address the key issues of a place in transition and build a robust foundation for the long term:
Space
Built and improved a variety of spaces locally in order to embrace new enterprise and support existing businesses:
- New co-working space and enterprise hub, Poplar’s first, The Chrisp Street Exchange
- 1,028 m2 of new or improved commercial or workspace in and around Chrisp Street Market and 8 upgraded shop fronts
Knowledge
Established Chrisp Street and Poplar as a hub for local enterprise:
- Supported 266 local businesses
- Created 24 start-ups
- Supported 20 first time market traders
Connections
Built the reputation of Chrisp Street as a distinctive and open place:
- Introduced a strong arts and cultural offer based on the heritage of Chrisp Street, with partners such as the Victoria and Albert Museum and the National Trust
- Welcomed over 2.7k visitors to Chrisp Street at 56 events