Facelift for Peckham shopfronts and Citizens Advice Bureau
Published 19 March 2010
Peckham businesses and the Citizens Advice Bureau are enjoying the benefits of modern new shopfronts and a renovated reception area, thanks to Southwark Council's Cleaner Greener Safer money.
Shopfronts on the corner of Peckham High Street and Peckham Hill Street have been renovated to echo the area's Georgian heritage whilst reflecting the colour and diversity that is part of Peckham today.
Known locally as Shards Terrace, it is the gateway to the main shopping area of Rye Lane. The original masonry and architectural details have been reinstated and external shutters have been removed, awnings have been installed to give the new wooden Georgian style shopfronts a very good aspect with hand painted shop signs. The reception area of the Citizens Advice Bureau was also renovated with more space, more seating and an improved accessibility and fire safety.
Cllr Paul Kyriacou, executive member for environment at Southwark Council, said: "Peckham High street is an important part of our borough and the Citizens Advice Bureau plays a vital role in the community. These renovated fronts can only improve their trade environment and entice lots more locals in."
Cllr Tayo Situ, Chair of Peckham Community Council, said: "I am delighted that the council could fun these improvement made to the shopfronts and to the Citizen Advice Bureau reception area. This is another example of how the Cleaner Greener Safer fund is serving the community."
Gisella Asante, Proprietor Gisella Boutique, said: "Gisella Boutique has been here for nineteen years and we have seen the area change so much. We are absolutely delighted with our new shopfront. Everyone tells us how much better the shop looks. People who did not notice us before have since become customers."
Christopher Green, Borough Director, Southwark CAB Service said: "The building work at Peckham CAB, to replace the shopfront and redesign the waiting area, have greatly improved the experience of people from the local community who use our services.
"Previously clients had to wait in cramped and uncomfortable conditions. Now the appearance of the office reflects the high quality of the service that we provide to over 3,500 people who visit Peckham CAB each year and the improved waiting conditions mean it is a much more pleasant experience for them than it was before.
"We would like to express our great thanks to the Cleaner Greener Safer programme and the Peckham Community Council for making this happen."
