Regeneration project: Ruislip Manor

The Mayor has given Hillingdon £1.4m, supported by £440,000 from the council, to help Ruislip Manor fulfill its potential as a bustling centre for independent trade. In recent years, local businesses have struggled to thrive, in particular due to a lack of footfall in the town centre. In response, a number of projects are improving public spaces and shop fronts, making the place a more attractive and appealing prospect to visitors and residents alike. A striking new welcome sign and lighting are giving Ruislip Manor a stronger identity, and cultural events are bringing the excitement back to the town centre.

View our images.

Animating places

The Ruislip Manor Chamber of Commerce is using funds from the Mayor to host a series of events and festivals to bring people to the town centre. The Bandstand Marathon in Shenley Park attracted 4,000 visitors in September 2012. Musical groups from across the borough took part and 53 local people volunteered to help organise the day. Thanks to the success of the event, more have followed in its wake, including festive light celebrations. An Easter 2014 event will coincide with the official completion of the high street’s public space improvements.

Public spaces

Steer Davies Gleave and East Architecture Landscape Urban Design have designed improvments to the public space in and around Ruislip Manor high street to make it a more vibrant and dynamic place. New trees, unique lighting and a large welcome sign on the railway bridge over Victoria Road are having a positive impact on the area’s image. The ‘RUISLIP MANOR’ welcome sign is being designed by EQ2 Light. Linden Avenue, which connects the library and park to the high street and hosts the annual street festival, is being given new paving and a raised surface to make crossing easier.

Building frontages

The Mayor’s funding is being used to improve the appearance of 40 shops in Ruislip Manor. Selected shops are receiving new windows, signage and fascias from Designed by Good People, in keeping with the character of their business and the rest of the street. The renovations are being complemented by advice and support to traders from retail specialists International Visual, covering visual merchandising and customer service. Businesses are providing 20% match funding to enter the scheme, ensuring long-term commitment.

Supporting business

In December 2012, Hillingdon Council ran a competition for the chance to occupy a vacant unit on the high street at Ruislip Manor. The pop-up scheme was developed with Meanwhile Space, and gave winner Paris Oxley 3 months rent-free to establish her business. In this time, Paris was able to develop her small furniture business into a high street favourite and the business has been self-sustaining since April 2013. Hillingdon’s high street business network is encouraging people to the town centre through special promotions and events. In addition, the Post Office was relocated to a more central site and opening hours have been extended to help local business.

Stewardship

Hillingdon has funded a high street business network with match funding from the High Street Innovation Fund. The group represents traders from across the town and is organising events and promotions to encourage more people to visit. Festive window display competitions supported by consultants International Visual have not only given traders new skills, but also created a lively attraction for visitors.

Borough: Hillingdon

Partners/client: LB Hillingdon

Consultants: Steer Davies Gleave, East Architecture Landscape Urban Design, Designed by Good People, International Visual, Meanwhile Space

Funding: Mayor of London £1.4m, LB Hillingdon £440,000, TfL Local Improvement Plan £115,000