Following the Portas Pilot funding win for Sydenham, Kirkdale and Forest Hill the bid team are holding an event at 7.30pm Thursday 23 August at the Horniman Museum & Gardens in the new Garden Pavilion. The aim of the event is to present details of the winning bid and to outline how the wider community can get involved.

The winning bid comprised three main elements:
?Jack and Jill?
Two high street shops (one in Sydenham, the other in Forest Hill) will be renovated for creative community engagement via exhibitions, showcasing local products, business workshops, pop up events and use as a Town Team base. They will be used to engender a sense of place and gather details of people's current shopping habits and their ambitions for the High Street.

The Shop Revolution?
A high impact project with lasting sustainable benefits, The Shop Revolution will introduce landlords and leaseholders to the concept of 'meanwhile' use – short term leases which keep the unit in use between tenants. Up to 12 vacant units will be refurbished and let to an eclectic mix of businesses and organisations on a pop up or trial basis giving new businesses the chance to test their business skills.

Market Makers?
More than a market, this will build on the lessons from Forest Hill Food Fair and the pilot community car boot sale in Girton Road car park to rotate the offer of similar markets between the three areas and encourage greater use of the public and private space. Existing traders will be encouraged expand onto their shop forecourt whilst the new market spaces will provide the opportunity to test demand for their offering and develop their business plan which may lead to a long term lease as part of The Shop Revolution.

There are a number of ways in which businesses and residents will be able to get involved including:
· joining the Town Team
· opening a market stall
· testing their business on the high street or promoting it with a pop-up shop
· hosting a workshop
· volunteering and learn new skills
· offering empty shop for ‘meanwhile use’
· helping to shape the high streets in Sydenham, Kirkdale and Forest Hill

The bid team, which includes councillors from both wards, Council officers and those leading the various initiatives, are currently sorting out the basics (such as governance, website and social media). Our first priority will be building a broader Town Team to deliver the pilot. If you would like to get involved or learn more please come along on 23 August. Updates and opportunities afforded by the Portas Pilot will also be discussed at future meetings of the Sydenham, Forest Hill and Perry Vale local assemblies.

A website has been created which is a work in progress at http://www.see3.co.uk. Please check for regular updates on progress. And if you’d like to talk to someone or learn more you can drop us an email at info@see3.co.uk.