Chapel Market Islington

Chapel Market Islington

Islington Council is investing in a community-led redesign of Chapel Market, providing enhancement of the market and supporting the growth of existing and new businesses. Retail Revival Ltd, was contracted to engage with the Chapel Market traders to identify their needs and issues and gather their ideas for market enhancements. A resulting report with recommendations informed the market masterplan created in partnership with Architects, Carver Haggard.

Retail Revival then delivered a series of events to test new market layouts, evening activities and themed market zones, most notably for a start-up traders market. We prepared and delivered a start-up business support programme comprising workshops for people interested in test trading in Chapel Market. Ten people attended 10 hours of training to learn about business planning, marketing, purchasing and pricing products. Each received a small grant to purchase stock and essential equipment and a free pitch with infrastructure for three summer markets. We set up stalls and tables for the traders, provided signage and equipment to dress the stalls attractively and installed a central payment system to enable them to take credit card payments and reinvest their takings in new stock.

As a result of the events, test trading and trader engagement, the market is being modified to include improved infrastructure and storage, seating and more effective marketing.

Client: Islington Council, stakeholders included the GLA, Carver Haggard, Our Little Markets, LIFT Islington.