Finsbury Park shop fronts get a facelift

The first of 20 shops in Finsbury Park are ready with a new look in time for the festive season after work to provide them with new shop fronts.

Significant investment from Islington Council is helping to transform the high streets on Stroud Green Road, Blackstock Road and Fonthill Road. Some businesses have received new shop fronts, while others were given expert advice on improving window displays to help bring in customers.

The first batch of new shop fronts have just been completed, with all works due to be finished by early 2017. The project was jointly funded by GLA High Streets fund, Islington Council and the businesses.

Vava Mouhtari, owner of Opera, a women’s special occasion clothes shop on Fonthill Road, said: “I think the work to improve the look of the area is very good. People in Fonthill Road have noticed the difference to my shop and have said they like its new look. I like it.”

Cllr Asima Shaikh, executive member for economic development: said: “Finsbury Park is a fantastic area with a huge amount to offer. We’re making significant investment to improve facilities and also preserve the area’s unique heritage.

“Local businesses play a vital part in what gives Finsbury Park its flavour. The shop front scheme is helping to give the streets a lift and will help to bring more visitors and shoppers.

“Small Business Saturday is coming up on December 3 and I encourage everyone to go out and support their local shops and traders,” Cllr Shaikh added.

As well as improvements on the ground, a new website www.FinsburyParkLondon.co.uk has just been launched alongside a publicity campaign to promote the area’s retail and leisure attractions to local residents, support local traders and bring more visitors to the area.

The shop front improvements are a project by Finsbury Park Regeneration Board, which includes representatives from Islington, Hackney and Haringey Councils, as well as TfL and Network Rail. They are working closely with the local community and other partners to prioritise long-term strategic regeneration goals and make sure they get it right for local people.

If you are a local business and would like to get involved, email the Town Centres Development Team at Islington Council on TownCentres@islington.gov.uk

www.FinsburyParkLondon.co.uk

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