Church Street Newsletter - May 2025
Church Street Check-in Survey - Thank you!
Thank you to everyone who took part in the Church Street Check-in survey. Since February, we’ve had over 800 responses – and congratulations to our prize draw winners who each received a £20 Love2Shop voucher! A big thank you also goes to Louise Hall from Mosaic, and to the Community Researchers – local residents who helped us carry out the surveys and shared their knowledge of Church Street.
We’re now reading through all your feedback. A report will be published before August, and everyone who took part will get a summary – including details on how to help shape the design of Sites B and C.
Your views will directly influence how these two sites are developed. Although there’s already outline planning permission for Sites B and C,the Council is committed to working with the community. If new ideas come out of this process that don’t fit within the current outline planning permission, a new application can be made. The aim is to co-design proposals that reflect community aspirations, are viable and affordable, and support Church Street’s future as a great place to live, shop and visit.
Interested in becoming a Community Researcher? Contact Ash Rahman at arahman@westminster.gov.uk or call 07866 077 142.
Block Naming
As mentioned in the last issue of the newsletter, we are asking the community to submit names for the new blocks. The themes for the block naming includes local hero’s, market heritage, artistic heritage and nature inspired.
Come along to our next community market, and our regular coffee mornings at our Regeneration Space at 56 Church Street to gives us your ideas. You can submit your ideas at Site A naming
Take a look at the dates for your diary for what’s coming up around Church Street.
Dates for your Diary
- HAFS Church Street Festival, Church Street,
Sunday 11 May, 12pm to 6pm - Community Market stall, Church Street Market, Thursday 15 May,
10.30am to 2.30pm - Regeneration Space coffee mornings, 21 May, 11am to 12pm
- The Church Street Antique’s Fair, Sunday 29 June, 11am to 5pm
Mosaic wins Westminster Community Award
Big congratulations and a huge well done to Mosaic Community Trust for winning Neighbourhood Centre of the Year Award at the Westminster Community Award.
These awards were a chance to celebrate the people in our community who make Westminster a better place for everyone. The Mosaic Community Trust, Founder and CEO Lena Choudary-Salter said “It means a lot to us to be recognised by Westminster City Council for our hard work. As much as we are grateful for winning, this award belongs to our community. Community is the pillar of what we do, and this one is for them.”
Another winner on the night was Telma Asemota, Activity Coordinator at Penfold Community Hub Telma won an award for Contributor to Older People. Telma said “I am incredibly humbled to receive this award and appreciate everyone who nominated me, as well as the committee. I strongly believe we have a tremendous ability to uplift and support our older generation. This award is not just a personal
achievement, it belongs to all of us at the Penfold Community Hub, evidence to our collective efforts and commitment to making a
difference.”
HAFS Summer Festival
HAFS Summer Fair will be back on Church Street on Sunday 11 May, 12pm to 6pm. Come down and bring the whole family for a day of fun and a chance to bring the community together.
There will be the usual activities including face painting, fairground rides, food stalls and community information.
This event is funded by Westminster City Council.
Mosaic Community Trust Weekly Services in Church Street
Mosaic Community Trust offers free, friendly health, wellbeing and support services every day of the week — all shaped by the needs of local residents. Whether you’re looking to connect, relax, get support, or take care of your health, there’s something for you.
Mondays
Holistic Wellbeing Drop-In
10am to 1.30pm
Portman Centre, NW8 8DE
Healthy breakfast, gentle exercise,
and social connection
One-Stop Service
10am to 12pm
66 Church Street, NW8 8ET
Help with appointments, paperwork, housing,and more.
Tuesdays
Talk & Connect Café for Mothers
10am to 12,30pm
Portman Centre, NW8 8DE
Mindfulness, peer connection, and workshops on children’s emotional wellbeing.
Wednesdays
Mosaic’s Wellness Hub
10am to 2pm
Penfold Community Hub, NW8 8PJ
Health checks, massages, health advice, and movement sessions.
Thursdays
One-Stop Service
10am to 12pm
66 Church Street, NW8 8ET
Help with appointments, paperwork, housing, and more
Fridays
Art for Wellbeing
10am to 1pm
Portman Centre, NW8 8DE
Relax through creativity, connect with others, and enjoy a free massage
Coming soon: A new project, funded by the Young Westminster Foundation, to support mothers in protecting their children from youth
crime and exploitation.
For more information, contact Mosaic Community Trust (info@mosaiccommunitytrust.org.uk) or drop into any of the sessions — all are free, friendly, and open to all women in the community.
Free Business Course
The Rebel School isn’t just about business — it’s about building confidence, taking control, and creating a better future. This isn’t your typical course. It’s practical, jargon-free support to help you get unstuck and take action — whether you’re starting a business, exploring self-employment, or simply trying something new.
From mindset to money, social media to sales, Rebel helps you move forward with what you’ve already got — no degrees or perfect plans needed.
We’re running a free five-day course for women in Westminster from Monday 19 to Friday 23 May 2025 at Westminster University.
Spaces are limited, so book early to secure your spot. Register here: therebelschool.com/westminster
Exciting Changes to Westminster Market
Westminster City Council has launched an ambitious three-year Street Market Transformation Programme (SMTP) aimed at revitalising the borough’s six historic street markets: Berwick Street, Tachbrook Street, Rupert Street, Church Street, Strutton Ground, and Maida Hill.
This initiative follows an in-depth review by Bloomberg consultants, whose recommendations are shaping the future of street trading in Westminster.
Why is this programme important?
While Westminster’s markets are valued community assets, they face several operational and economic challenges. The SMTP will address these issues, focusing on:
- Better market management – A new Street Markets Team is being created, with a Street Market Team Leader and two Officers to
provide daily on-site support to traders. - A centralised council approach – A dedicated Street Markets Team within Public Protection & Licensing (PPL) will act as a one-stop shop, ensuring amore coordinated and responsive service.
- Improved policies & regulations – A review of Westminster’s street trading policy is underway to modernise regulations and explore potential amendments to the City of Westminster Act 1999, which currently limits flexibility in market operations.
- Sustainability & innovation – The programme will focus on waste management, recycling, and the integration of technology to
enhance market efficiency and contribute to Westminster’s climate goals
What's next?
As the programme unfolds, Westminster City Council will work closely with traders and stakeholders to ensure that the markets not
only survive but thrive as vibrant, diverse, and community-focused spaces.
Find out More
Go Online
You can keep track of the latest news on the Church Street website. If you have a question, please email us at churchstreet@westminster.gov.uk
