Strengthening Portobello Road
Portobello Road is our famous market street that is rich in heritage, character and community. We want to make sure the road remains a unique place where people are proud to live, trade and work. We've developed ideas with local people for almost three years.
The key benefits of the proposals are:
- better road safety
- better flood resilience
- power supply for all market stalls
- more trees
- better accessibility and pavements
- better lighting
- more opportunities for seasonal lights and decorations
Have your say
Consultation closes on Wednesday 10 December 2025.
Online: complete the online survey on the consultation webpage.
In person: view the proposals at the Street Trading Office and add your comments to the exhibition banner (Monday to Saturday, 8.30am to 1pm)
Write to us: pick up a leaflet at North Kensington Library or the Street Trading Office and add your comments
Email: send your comments to [email protected]
Project phases
Construction will start in autumn 2026.
Chepstow Villas to Westbourne Grove will be the first phase of works on Portobello Road. Next phases will take place over several years. This section is where most people arrive and we want to create a welcoming first impression. We want to minimise future disruption to trading by moving stalls to this area as other phases start.
A safer Portobello
The current barrier scheme was based on police advice. We know it has caused issues, and we agree it's not a suitable permanent solution. We’ve listened to your feedback and have improved this permanent scheme. We'll be replacing the interim barriers with permanent safety bollards. The bollards will be installed at the junctions with Chepstow Villas, Denbigh Terrace and Westbourne Grove.
We've not yet decided how the new bollards will operate. If you would like to take part in conversations about this, email the project team at [email protected] with the subject ‘Portobello phase 1’.
To view the different options we've explored, visit our consultation.
Temporary safety barriers
Portobello Road is one of London’s most popular street markets, attracting thousands of visitors every week. We've introduced new barriers to better protect everyone who lives, works and trades in the area and following advice from the Metropolitan Police. These barriers close Portobello Road to vehicles during market hours. Vehicles parked in the closed section of the road will be able to exit but not return until after 4pm.
Concrete blocks are now at each junction between Golborne Road and Chepstow Villas. Between the blocks are temporary barriers called H-Stops. These get wheeled and locked into place in the morning, then removed in the afternoon.
We recognise the change in routine this requires and appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this change.
Vehicle access restrictions
| Road section | Days | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Golborne Road to Chepstow Villas | Friday, Saturday and Sunday markets | 10am to 4pm |
| Cambridge Gardens (Westway canopy) to Elgin Crescent (Duke of Wellington pub) | Monday to Thursdays | 10am to 4pm |
| All routes across Portobello Road remain open | All week | 24/7 |
When the market closes early for bad weather, we'll reopen the road as soon as it's safe to do so.
Deliveries and drop offs
All deliveries and visits need to take place before 10am or after 4pm or made on foot or by bike from nearby roads.
Visiting vehicles can park or drop passengers off on side roads. We've created additional loading areas on new sections of single yellow line. No vehicles can access Portobello Road during the restricted hours, except for residents who hold Blue Badges. Arrangements are in places to ensure the emergency services have full access at all times.
Report an access issue
If you would like to report an issue with these access changes, email [email protected]. We'll pass your query to the relevant team.
Project timeline
- Jan 2023: engagement paused to reset approach following community feedback
- May 2023: Portobello Engagement Oversight Panel (PEOPL) formed
- July 2023: traffic and utilities surveys carried out
- Feb 2024: Portobello Conversations workshops and market interviews held
- May 2024: recommendations report agreed by participants and panel
- July 2024: consultation opened on draft proposals (Antiques Gateway focus)
- Oct 2024: consultation closed with over 450 responses and at least 2,600 people aware of the project
- Oct 2024 to Oct 2025: designs refined based on feedback, community engagement continues
- Now: final consultation open
- Dec 2025: consultation closes
- From Jan 2026: development of detailed designs taking community feedback into account
- Autumn 2026: works begin between Chepstow Villas and Westbourne Grove
Portobello Conversations workshops
A citizen’s panel of 41 people took part in Portobello Conversations workshops. These were members of the community who responded to the invite we sent to 750 people. They discussed how to balance the uses of the space by different stakeholders and made recommendations on the scope of the project. The recommendations are in a report for lead members to endorse.