Supporting local economies
- Markets
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Here in Kensington and Chelsea, we are proud to host and manage successful local markets and cater to isolated street traders who all offer vibrancy and culture in our communities.
In 2022, following a process of engagement with the community including traders, residents and visitors, we launched a Markets Plan (2022-2027) which outlines our key priorities and deliverables to continue supporting business and trade in the borough and enhance our existing offers.
Document
Document
Our markets
Portobello market and Golborne Road
The Visit Portobello website offers everything you need to know about our world-famous market which continues to sell antiques as it has done for almost 80 years as well as new goods and food. Read about the market’s 160-year history, search what events are coming up and more to explore on our favourite hidden gem for vintage and food – Golborne Road.
World’s End Community market
A new weekly market that caters for the local community on Word’s End Estate and beyond. We host a market outside the Chelsea Theatre, every Friday from 12pm with a rotation of different stalls every week offering something different, as well as our staple fruit and veg offer.
We have partnered with local charities who will be on the market offering face to face advice on a range of services available to support healthy affordable living.
Healthy Start
Our partners at the NHS are enabling the use of healthy start vouchers to spend on the market. If you receive a qualifying benefit, are pregnant or have parental responsibility for at least one child under 4 years old, you can apply now for a Healthy Start card.
Other independent markets
The Council is not responsible for all markets in the borough.
These include:
- Notting Hill Gate Farmers' Market
- Bute Street (South Kensington) Farmers' Market
- Portobello Fashion Market below the A40 Westway flyover
- Acklam Village Market (Portobello Fine Foods)
- Partridges Food Market
- High Street Kensington Farmers' Market
Apply to be a trader
Before you apply to work on our markets, we advise that you visit our markets in person to fact find and research the area.
You will need to send us:
- a full description of the goods you want to sell
- images of your goods (as an attachment) - we do not need an image for every item
- your web address if you have one
- full contact information
Portobello and Golborne
Casual Traders
We are currently not open to applications for street food sites and have limited availability for other products. Casual applications are currently on hold for Fridays and Saturdays.
If your application is to trade Monday – Thursday, please state clearly.
All applications will receive a response within two weeks. To apply, email [email protected]
We are not registering stalls of the following products for Portobello or Golborne, but you can consider our other site on World’s End.
- jewellery including charms, crystals, precious and semi-precious gemstones, and adornments
- ladies clothing
- hats
- bags and handbags of any kind
- sunglasses
- souvenirs
- candles
- soaps
Permanent Traders
In order to apply to be a Permanent Trader, you need to first become a registered Casual Trader and trade on Portobello and Golborne Market. Please be aware that there is a long waiting list for currently registered Casual Traders who wish to become a Permanent Trader.
World’s End Market
We are open to applications from various new and established traders for our weekly World’s End market. With more than 8,500 residents living on the estate and being situated right in front of the Chelsea Theatre, there is a huge opportunity for success, with access to great facilities and support. The estate is based at the end of the famous retail sector of King’s Road and has bus travel access from surrounding train stations including Fulham Broadway, West Brompton, Earl’s Court, Gloucester Road, and South Kensington.
Here are some of the benefits of working with us at World’s End:
- We offer pitches with full gazebo coverings, electricity and tables.
- We are open and flexible and have day/casual licences for traders.
- A great chance to network with the local community and help make a difference.
- Each market has several subsidised/free stalls available on a first come first served basis
Contact [email protected] for more information.
How we process applications
All new registrations for are considered in the order received. What you want to sell is considered and weighed up in relation to other traders in the market already selling those goods.
If the market has too many of the same product your application could be declined.
If your goods are accepted, you will then receive an email invitation to attend the office to complete your registration.
You will need to bring:
- the confirmation email we sent you - a printed copy or on your phone.
- proof of your address such as a recent utility bill or bank statement - we don't accept mobile phone bills or goods invoices.
- proof of your National Insurance number such as your NI card, a pay slip, or P45.
- your passport, National ID card, or driving licence photocard.
- NMTF card or public liability insurance certificate with a minimum cover of £5 million
You can buy public liability insurance from an insurance broker or from:
- National Market Traders Federation
- Marketline
- Marketinsure Starter
- Combined Markets
All street traders must comply with our market standard conditions.
- Business Improvement Districts
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Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) are defined commercial areas in which a levy is charged on all business rate payers to develop projects that help support business communities in that area. Improvements may include, but are not limited to, extra safety/security, reducing crime, increasing footfall, making the area look attractive, marketing, networking, events and environmental measures.
In RBKC, there are currently three BID areas operating and each of these has its own rules and is run by individual companies and not the Council. The BID areas are: Opportunity Kensington, King’s Road Partnership and Knightsbridge Partnership. The Council collects the BID levy on behalf of these companies who are then responsible for ring-fencing the money so it can only be spent on projects and services identified in the area’s Proposal and Business Plan.
If your property is in a BID area than you will have received a leaflet or a link to a leaflet with your BID bill from the Council explaining how this will run and what projects and services are in the pipeline. However, if you have not received this or need further details such as why your business is included, please contact the individual company running the BID in your area. The webpages and contact details for all three BIDs are shown below:
Opportunity Kensington
Website: Opportunity Kensington
Email: [email protected]King’s Road Partnership
Website: kingsrdpartnership.com
Email: [email protected]Knightsbridge Partnership
Website: Knightsbridge Partnership
Email: [email protected]Paying Business Improvement District (BID) Invoices
The Council collects BID levies on behalf of Business Improvement District companies. The below are the bank details to make the payment to:
By BACS:
Sort Code 50-30-10
Account 25062697Please quote the 10 digit BID invoice number beginning with 8 with your BACS payment and email remittance advices to [email protected]
For any BID invoice related queries, please email [email protected] or call 020 7361 2088.
Privacy Notice for BIDS
- Future High Street Programme
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Our High Street Principles
These principles have been drawn from extensive community engagement and were developed in partnership with Centre for London. They work to encourage healthy high streets which combine retail, hospitality and essential services in a way that is engaging and sustainable.
Our high streets should:
- be places people want to visit and spend time in by offering facilities, services and attractions.
- be adaptable and proactive to meet future needs by allowing for and supporting innovative and creative solutions.
- work for everyone by ensuring the provision of accessible facilities, commercial space and public realm that meets the needs of all ages and disabilities.
- encourage active travel by ensuring provision for cycle parking/hire, a pedestrian-friendly public realm and supporting traffic reduction schemes.
- be places that celebrate their own individual character and history by supporting their communities’ unique needs and offering bespoke cultural events and activities.
- be part of the solution to the climate crisis by reducing emissions and adapting to changing conditions, and encouraging greening.
- be places for creativity, culture, and art by supporting festivals, events, and activities.
- support existing businesses and encourage economic growth by working with and encouraging new Business Improvement Districts (BIDS), landowners and commercial tenants
Local action plans
We want our high streets to be places that are welcoming, where residents want to spend time and where visitors want to return to again and again. One way we are working to support our high streets is through the development of a series of adaptable Local Action Plans.
Local Action Plans are guided by our high street principles, as well as the Council’s streetscape guide. They are place-based projects which are shaped by local community engagement and informed by key criteria, to ensure they are deliverable, impactful, and well maintained. Informal community engagement will form the basis of all projects.
Future High Streets Research
Centre for London (CfL) were commissioned to investigate the future of the borough’s high streets in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Their research examined the effects of temporary interventions that the Council implemented, such as al fresco dining pavement licences.
The first phase of work looked at looked at placemaking and high streets, with an in-depth analysis of Gloucester Road, Notting Hill Gate and Portobello Road. This led to a template for all future Local Action Plans with proposed interventions such as more greening, seating, public art, events, and walking routes. The templates draw from the Council-led high street engagement and was supplemented with CfL’s own analysis and research.
Find out more information about the high streets research.
Consultation
To help us understand priorities and build an evidence base for future ambitions and interventions to Kensington and Chelsea’s high streets, we asked anyone living, working or visiting the borough to share their views on what they wanted to see improved and how they use their local high street.
The online survey received over 1,000 comments between August 2021 and February 2022. In addition, workshops were held with Residents’ Associations and members of the Council Citizens’ Panel. This input has provided valuable insights and helped inform the work programme going forward.
Our local action plans
Notting Hill Gate and Earl's Court Road
The areas around Notting Hill Gate and Earl’s Court Road, what we have done so far and how to get involved in ideas for future improvements.
- Notting Hill Gate Local Action Plan
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What is the action plan?
The Local Action Plan is a set of projects and improvement ideas shaped with the community to make Notting Hill Gate greener, safer and more accessible whilst strengthening its identity. It is designed to be used as a tool by residents, businesses, developers and the Council to leverage funding for community-backed improvements.
The plan will continue to evolve over time as projects are completed and as new opportunities or community priorities emerge.
Visit the action plan webpage to find out more.
Where we are now
The action plan has moved into the delivery phase during the 2025-2026 financial year. The first improvements to be delivered focused on:
- greening
- decluttering street furniture
- improving a pedestrian crossing
Further projects are intended to be delivered as and when funding becomes available, although further testing, detailing and community engagement will be required in most cases.
Visit the action plan webpage to find out more about our progress.
How we got here
The action plan was developed with the community from 2022, when the community working group was created. Focused workshops with young people, outreach to local businesses, and surveys also helped to inform the plan.
You can find a detailed timeline of the journey so far on the action plan webpage.
Next steps
You can get involved in delivering action plan projects, identifying funding routes, contributing new ideas, or simply joining the mailing list to receive project updates.
Review the action plan webpage and contact the project team at [email protected]. We are part of the Council’s Planning Department.
- Earl's Court Road Local Action Plan
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About Earl’s Court
Earl’s Court is well known in London and internationally as the former home of the exhibition centre which hosted a range of sporting, music and other cultural events until its demolition in 2016. In the 1970s and 1980s, the area was well known as a LGBTQ+ destination.
The high street shops, restaurants and services on Earl’s Court Road that make up the district centre of Earl’s Court are surrounded by a largely residential, well-designed historic townscape. Earl’s Court Tube station at the centre of the high street, provides excellent public transport connections.
Challenges
Earl's Court is an area with rich history and potential but is facing a series of challenges that have hindered its growth and prosperity.
Local businesses have reported a decline in footfall, citing competition from other areas as a significant factor. The streets of Earl's Court have also been seen by some as dirty and unsafe, with pressing matters such as anti-social behaviour contributing to an unwelcoming atmosphere. Also, inadequate public spaces and pedestrian infrastructure add to these issues, further discouraging potential visitors and patrons.
Earl's Court has many strengths that provide a solid base for improvement and growth:
- the area's historic significance
- transport connections
- existing commercial base
- strong community interest
Achievements to date
We have already:
- adopted a Placemaking Framework in April 2023 setting out the council’s priorities for the opportunity area
- supported a local business forum
- conducted a BID feasibility research and scoping options.
- implemented a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for the area, which will be in place until April 2027
Introducing the PSPO aims to:
- reduce littering
- stop street urination
- avoid public consumption of alcohol
- reduce loitering
- reduce inappropriate use of bikes and scooters
Where we are now
We asked for your views on a vision and collection of projects within the draft local action plan consultation for Earl’s Court Road, which was open until November 2024. We asked you to choose your most important project from each of the three project categories:
- improving the environment
- character and heritage
- managing the street
We also asked for your views on the draft Earl’s Court Shopfront Design Guide, and if you had ideas for any further projects for the local action plan. Find full feedback details and what actions we are taking on the consultation website.
Next steps
Read the updated version of the local action plan on our story map.
About Hogarth Road
An opportunity was identified to improve the public space on Hogarth Road by:
- widening the pavements
- improving the street surface
- planting new trees
Improvements to the street would give the local community and visitors a high-quality space to enjoy and provide a pleasant setting for the vibrant collection of shops and small businesses.
Why have we invested in the area?
This is one of the oldest parts of Earl’s Court. It is a pretty street with attractive shopfronts, the focal point of the kiosk and special alleyway through to Kenway Road with a variety of independent and useful businesses. We have invested in the area because:
- the location close to the ‘front door’ to Earl’s Court and the Tube
- the side streets have a special character in contrast to the main road
- there is opportunity to add trees and greenery close to the busy high street and main road which are good for air quality, biodiversity and character
- outdoor café seating has calmed traffic and proved successful to add to bustling character
- this will enhance the Earl’s Court Village Conservation Area
Where we are now
The key points we have heard from local people and businesses are:
- there is a good community atmosphere with many established local businesses
- vehicle access should be retained
- a designated loading bay for deliveries would be helpful
- the area feels unsafe, especially in the evenings
- there is anti-social behaviour including people urinating in the street, affecting how businesses can operate and creating an unpleasant environment
- a market could work well here
- the pavement is dirty and stained, piles of rubbish bags tend to accumulate
- there is a collection of Filipino businesses here and in the immediate area that make it a centre for the Filipino community
- the Gingko tree is a problem in autumn when smelly, sticky fruit litters the pavement
- a good community atmosphere with many local established businesses
- the area doesn’t feel as well cared for as other parts of the borough
How we got here
We launched a six-week consultation on proposals for the area in November 2023 which closed on Thursday 7 December 2023. View the proposals and consultation summary on our consultation hub. Construction of the scheme started on Monday 28 October 2024. The resurfacing of the pavement and the road is now complete and the new street trees have been planted. The road has been opened to traffic.Next steps
The final elements of the scheme will be completed in June 2025, including planting of the new flower beds under the Gingko tree. Cafés and restaurants on the street will be able to apply for a licence for tables and chairs on the wider pavements for visitors to enjoy outdoor hospitality.