Jan Kattein Tooting Bec & Broadway Neighbourhood Architects

Characterisation Study Phase 1 Part 1 2019

CONTENT

Introduction 04

1 Streetscape 09 1.01 Character 09 1.02 People 14 1.03 Statistics 15 2 Well-being 16 2.01 Character 16 2.02 People 21 2.03 Statistics 23 3 Retail 26 3.01 Character 26 3.02 People 33 3.03 Statistics 35 4 Housing 36 4.01 Character 36 4.02 People 45 4.03 Statistics 47 5 Circulation 48 5.01 Character 48 5.02 People 54 5.03 Statistics 55 6 Community 58 6.01 Character 58 6.02 People 62 6.03 Statistics 63 Summary 65 INTRODUCTION

Tooting is a successful with making their policy suggestions. Neighbourhood neighbourhood which could be Plans must not conflict with the National Planning described as thriving ‘in spite of Policy Framework and usually address issues missing its’ environment’. from existing Local Plans. 41,660 The Tooting Bec & Broadway Neighbourhood Forum This characterisation study tells the story of Tooting 320 hectares (TBBNF) have commissioned Jan Kattein Architects, to through both quantitative and qualitative evidence. people research and produce this characterisation study on Tooting is examined through the lens of six key themes their designated study area (TBBNA). The aim of this provided by the Forum: Streetscape, Well-Being, Retail, report is to create an evidence base to support a future Housing, Circulation and Community. Neighbourhood Plan proposal by the Forum. This Part 1 report will examine the area’s existing conditions, Each theme has been studied to identify its £ % helping the Forum to decide on priority area’s of focus typical character(s), with a written description, and for Part 2, where a design code will be proposed. It is photographed examples. The existing conditions are also an opportunity to pro-actively build relationships then analysed through mappings, and some statistical with Tooting’s diverse communities. data. Data can be meaningless on its own, but when £613,978 (avg) £887.16 compared with Wandsworth or London averages, it £1,941 pcm (avg) (top band) Neighbourhood Plans allow those from outside of the sets a useful benchmark. This way, the neighbourhood political structure to have a say in the decision making can measure its’ performance using a number of that affects where they live. They are legally recognised ‘health check’ indicators. As people are at the heart documents, so have real, enforceable power. As part of of the Forum, we have also conducted interviews with the stages towards influencing policy making, an area a diverse spectrum of participants. Alongside portrait boundary is defined to focus the study, and an evidence photographs of interviewees, this provides a personal base is gathered to illustrate the neighbourhood’s insight into life in Tooting, and shows the range of understanding of Tooting’s current issues and successes. opinions on issues raised. ^ Introductory statistics of the TBBNA social-economic profile - population, size of designated area, house pricing and council tax (population This can then be referred to when the Forum proceeds calculated from collating together Tooting, Graveney, 1/2Bedford and 1/5Nightingale 2011 census data, sales/rental prices from Zoopla 2019) The first step in the process of Consultation was then undertaken for a 6 week Neighbourhood Planning is to period to bring it to the attention of people who determine the area boundary. live, work or have businesses in the area. Effort was made to reach the maximum number or locals possible, through various methods including press A neighbourhood area can be proposed by a group notices, online posts, database letters, laminated within the area’s community which has the capacity street notices and a hard copy in the Tooting Library. to become the designated neighbourhood forum for By the end of the consultation period, a wide range the area they are proposing. of respondents had been reached from individual residents, to statutory/regulatory bodies like Historic On the 7th September 2016 Wandsworth England and local groups such as The Wandsworth Council received applications to establish both a Environmental Forum. Responses left by contributors Neighbourhood Area to be known as: “Tooting Bec fell into 3 categories: support, seeking further and Broadway Neighbourhood Area” [TBBNA] and information, or no comments or objection. The were to set-up a Neighbourhood Forum, to be known zero objections and the majority of responses were as “Tooting Bec and Broadway Neighbourhood supportive or sought more information which was Forum” [TBBNF]. The area boundary was carefully assisted by the Council. considered as this determines the limits of the resulting Neighbourhood Plan. After substantial consultation, this boundary (see page 6) was decided On the 4th April 2017 the Council awarded (for the on. In contrast to the Wandsworth ward boundaries, purposes of the Town and Country Planning Act which are determined by an average electorate of 1990) the designation proposed as appropriate and approximately 5,500 people, and so see Tooting split in accordance with relevant legislation and national into 5 wards, the TBBNF area was determined by the Planning Practice Guidance. area locals felt to part of Tooting in lived experience. ^ Boundary consultation - intuitive resident sketches to defining the Neighbourhood Boundary, 2015 TBBNA Map Nightingale Ward

Key: Wandsworth Common Ward

TTBNA Boundary Wansdworth Borough Boundary Bedford Ward Earlsfield Ward Census Ward Area Boundaries

Tooting Ward

Key Map of London Borough Boundaries

Graveney Ward

Key Map of Wandsworth Ward Boundaries London Borough of Wandsworth

After substantial consultation, this boundary was decided on as the TBBNA. In contrast to the Wandsworth London Borough of Merton ward boundaries, which are determined by an average N electorate of approximately 5,500 people, the TBBNF area was determined by the area locals felt to part of Tooting in lived experience. 0 0.5 1 Kilometers Neighbourhood Forum Category 1: What do you love about Tooting? Survey Consultation - 2016- Category 2: What would you like to preserve about Tooting? 2018 This category by far inspired the most responses at 1173 showing that respondents have a positive outlook on the area. 641 responses were given to this category.

Investigating public opinion is a logical starting point. 1 2 The TBBNF have carried out many consultations, What do you love about Tooting? What would you like to preserve in including this survey which asked 4 simple questions: Tooting?

diversity 1. What do you love about Tooting? restaurants/food markets 2. What would you like to preserve in Tooting? community green spaces 3. What do we not have that we need in Tooting? Shops - variety architecture 4. What do we need to change in Tooting? markets diversity green spaces community This consultation lasted from February 2016 to character Shops - variety December 2018 and was carried out through 18 face- amenity - health amenity - culture to-face events and 1 online survey. The main aim of transport links Shops - type this consultation was to observe patterns and make Shops - type amenity - health suggestions for second phase consultations, and amenity - children/youth character ultimately to develop and investigate areas for the Vibrancy Amenity - general Neighbourhood Plan to focus on. A report prepared by Richard Couldrey for the TBBNF in 12th December What do you love about Tooting? What would you like to preserve in 2018 describes the results and assembles the data into charts, summarised here. Tooting? 250

Richard Couldrey notes: “These four questions were 200 80 70 designed to be divergent, encouraging a wide array 150 60 of responses and to be inclusive and accessible for 50 100 40 as many people as possible. The purpose behind 30 asking these questions was for the TBBNF to observe 50 20 10 MP

and listen to a representative and diverse range of MP

0 pubs pubs

Safety 0 Safety markets business responses. From these responses, we analysed trends diversity Vibrancy activities markets character diversity Vibrancy character walkability community walkability Shops - type architecture community green spaces public spaces Shops - type from which we could design a second phase of deeper architecture green spaces miscellaneous public spaces unused space transport links Shops - variety miscellaneous transport links Shops - variety amenity - health litter/flytipping amenity - culture amenity - health restaurants/food Amenity - general

consultations on key areas. Therefore, it didn’t matter amenity - culture restaurants/food affordable housing Amenity - general amenity - children/ affordable housing that a comment like “parking” could be interpreted as The graphs above show the same data in different ways. being either “we need more parking” or “parking is a amenity - children/youth problem that exacerbates the dominance of the car”. The point is that the topic of “parking” is an important The graphs above show the same data in different ways. area to understand more and in need of further ^> Online consultation results tabularised by TBBNF 4 6 Category 3: What do we not have that we need in Tooting? Category 4: What do we need to Change in Tooting?

There were 611 responses to this category. 601 responses.

3 What do we not have that we need in 4 What do we need to change in Tooting? Tooting?

amenity - culture litter/flytipping green spaces traffic - congestion Shops - type consultation as the Community cares about it.” He also walkability amenity - children/ notes that “we accepted all answers, even if they were Air quality youth not applicable to Neighbourhood Planning...Public public spaces Shops - type life does not make the delineations needed for public litter/flytipping Safety policy and processes” (page 2). affordable housing green spaces

walkability affordable housing Question 1 by far inspired the most responses at 1173 traffic parking showing that respondents have a positive outlook on amenity - children/youth Air quality the area. (Question 2 = 641, question 3 = 611, and character Amenity - general question 4 = 601.) The chart shows that community, Shops - less betting diversity and food are key benefits recognised by many

people, resulting in an impression of tolerance and What do we not have that we need in What do we need to change in Tooting? vibrancy in the area. Tooting?

140 Question 2 shows a top 3 of markets, green spaces and 100 120 architecture. This shows both an appreciation, and a 90 100 fear of loss, of these important amenities as the area 80 80 70 changes. 60 60 50 40 40 20 Question 3’s top 5 were culture, green spaces, shops 30 0 by type, youth amenity and public space, supporting traffic 20 Safety parking

10 character the conjecture that there is a lack of quality accessible Air quality walkability cycleability community deprivation Shops - type architecture pubs

0 green spaces public spaces unused space traffic Safety miscellaneous Traffic - speed transport links Shops - variety green space in particular. parking Climate Change litter/flytipping amenity - health activities amenity - culture restaurants/food character Amenity - general Air quality affordable housing traffic - congestion walkability cycleability community Shops - less betting amenity - children/ Shops - type architecture neighbourhood plan green spaces public spaces miscellaneous Traffic - speed transport links Shops - variety Climate Change litter/flytipping

amenity - health Question 4 overwhelmingly addresses problems in amenity - culture restaurants/food

Amenity - general traffic - congestion affordable housing community energy The graphs above show the same data in different ways. the public realm, from litter/fly tipping, to traffic, to

amenity - children/youth walkability. These are all key themes that resurface

^> Online consultation results tabularised by the TBBNF repeatedly throughout this study.

8 11 1. STREETSCAPE 1.01 Character

More than just a Victorian links were improved with the extension of the Northern suburb, Tooting has a strong Line. identity in its’ own right. Presently, it is a bustling town centre, made up of a mix of old and new, boasting many notable landmarks that The TBBNA has been settled upon since pre-Saxon help to make it unique. Historic England has listed 26 times. The long straight Upper Tooting Road follows buildings in the TBBNA, including the former Granada the line of the Roman Stane Street. Then, it consisted Cinema on Mitcham Road (the first cinema to receive of two distinct areas: Tooting Bec (Upper Tooting) and 1860 1910 a Grade 1 listing). A high percentage of Asian residents Tooting Graveney (Lower Tooting). has brought about many much-loved curry houses, and non-designated heritage assets have typically The streetscape is inseparable from its’ history. A been adapted to serve new uses, such as the terracotta chapel on the high street for example, is reputed to former post sorting office (now the Khalsa Centre, a have been founded in 1688 by Daniel Defoe, a leading Sikh Gurdwara). Some incredible architectural gems Dissident, and the chapel still bears his name. The area on the high street are a little neglected and unloved. remained a small village with farmlands until the late However, many of Tooting’s best built assets continue Victorian period when, as with many of South London’s 1940 1980 to thrive in new and unexpected ways, still valued by a suburbs, its transformation began. In 1894 Tooting much-diversified community. station opened, greatly accelerating its growth. During ^ Historical evolution of the Tooting area [1860, 1910, 1940, 1980] - Digitmap 2019 the next 30 years, many fine villas (Park Hill, Lynwood House) were demolished to make way for streets of terraced housing. Between 1901-11, the London County Council built a pioneering new cottage estate for working-men and their families: the Totterdown Fields Estate, now a conservation area, and in 1926 transport Landmark Area Map

Key:

Conservation Areas Listed Buildings/Structures Locally listed Landmarks Currently Unlisted Local Landmarks (Wandsworth heritage Asset Nominations 2018)

This map is annotated with the landmarks found in the TBBNF area boundary, both official and unofficial. Conservation areas, listed buildings, and locally listed assets are protected to proportionate levels, meaning that their conservation will (at the least) be an objective of the National Planning Policy Framework, and a material consideration when determining the outcome of a planning application. Those currently nominated, but not yet accepted, are shown as orange crosses,

The relatively high percentage of colour exemplified by this map confirms the special character of the TBBNF’s area. On the other hand, it illustrates just how many locally valued landmarks are currently unprotected from future threats. It is also interesting to notice how many of these nominated landmarks are not in the conservation areas, which tend to be of uniform N architectural style inside, but are instead situated in newer estates, or clustered along the high roads - demonstrating local love for a wider range of tastes. 0 0.5 1 Kilometers 1 - Conservation Areas

Key: 3 One of the highest quality areas of late Neighbourhood Plan boundary 19th century suburban housing built by

Conservation areas This large conservation area has been broken down the developer Alfred Heaver between

Main roads into nine separate characters. This is the Dalebury Tooting Bec 1890-1910 in a Queen Anne style.*

Buildings / Crockerton /Trinity Roads/Trinity Crescent section. 2

1. Totterdown Fields Estate The special character relies upon the coherence

2. Heaver Estate of the appearance of properties in Dalebury and

3. Wandsworth Common Crockerton Roads.* 4. Mellison Road

* Descriptive text and photography from Conservation Area Appraisal

1

Tooting Broadway

Within the TBBNA there are four distinct conservation areas. In each area there are extra planning controls and considerations in place to protect the historic and architectural elements which make the place special, such as the distinct Queen-Anne style in the Heaver 4 Estate, or the characteristic material of knapped flint in Mellison Road. The first London County Council cottage estate

built between 1901 and 1911 in Wandsworth. The The special character is derived from it unusual The map helps identify the size and positioning of the estate contains 1,244 individual houses built over and attractive use of knapped flint as both a facing areas with respect to each other and the respective 38 acres. It was influenced by Ebenezer Howard’s material on the houses and in the construction built enviroment. It also highlights a relatively high Garden city movement and the Arts and Crafts of boundary walls in the conservation area as a N movement.* proportion of built environment that is completely whole. This is unique within the borough.* unprotected, and is therefore at the mercy of ownership and market forces. 0 0.5 1 Kilometers 2 - Grade Listed examples

Key:

Grade II 1. Late 19th C - cast iron candelabrum form 2. 1823 - Parish pump 3. 1907 - Tooting Fire Station 4. 1906 - Church of All Saints 5. 1896 - The Kings Head Public House

1 2 3 Grade I 6. 1931 - Bingo Club, former Granade Theatre

Listed buildings account for about 2% of English 4 building stock. Within the TBBNA we have identified 21 grade listed buildings. To be listed, the building or structure will have been judged to be of national importance and therefore worth protecting. A further classification of its listing comes in three categories: Grade I for buildings of exceptional significance, Grade II* and Grade II, buildings that are of special interest. This warrants every effort to preserve them. Most of 5 6 the listed buildings in the TBBNA are Grade II and this classification makes up 92% of all listed buildings on the registers, with only 2.5% Grade I listed. As a result, the former Granada Theatre, for example, is a recognised assest to the TBBNA streetscape and heritage, and will be protected from demolition or loss of character through redevelopment. 3 - Locally Listed examples

Key:

1. Broadwater Primary School (Broadway Road) 2. Lion and Unicorn at St Georges Hospital 3. The Castle Pub (Tooting High Street) 4. Tooting Market (Tooting High Street) 5. Tooting Library (Mitcham Road) 6. RACS Building (180-186 Upper Tooting Road) 1 2 3

Locally listed buildings do not enjoy the levels of statutory protection afforded to nationally-listed 4 buildings. However, local listing means that the interest of the building will be at least considered during the planning process. The effect of an application on a non- designated heritage asset is a material consideration when deciding planning applications, and local listing strengthens the case for retention of a historic building.”

(http://heritagehelp.org.uk/planning/local-listing) 5 6

Considering the prominence and local love for Tooting Market, for example (as identified in TBBNF’s survey), many Tootingites may be surprised to hear that it is not officially exempt from demolition or redevelopment. Greater awareness of these planning designations may instill a stronger sense of civic pride and activism as part of a Neighbourhood Plan that seeks to enhance and protect the existing town centre. 1.02 People

Libby, is originally from Manchester yet feels very Libby notes that the group have had some success, much a Tootingite. She has lived in her family house with many local listings approved, but that it takes in Graveney for the last 14 years. Bringing up her along time for the map of local landmarks to be children and walking around the area with a buggy, officially updated. Last year, suggestions nominated she became interested in local history. Her maternity ranged from schools, to fire stations, and lamp posts leave pastime has now become a voluntary role; to pillar boxes. The list grew and grew because of the Libby is the conservation officer of the Tooting History perception that if one does not say something, then it Group, running meetings and visits related to local may be assumed that it is replaceable. conservation matters. Personally, Libby feels that this is justified because “I represent the views of the group... locals care about the daily experience of walking particularly looking at some of the past landmarks in their neighbourhood - whether [ordinary buildings] which, seen from there is a more significant example of a Georgian Libby’s House the outside, further afield may seem lamp post in a nearby borough or not, is irrelevant unimportant but here they have a social to their enjoyment of their immediate streetscape. Libby emphasised the importance of listening to and architectural or historic significance”. Libby Lawson The last century of development has established older local residents, as their history and knowledge Local Resident and Conservation Officer Tooting from a rural outpost, to a bustling first time is eventually lost if not passed on. These can be very In general, the Tooting History Group acknowledges home owner suburb. As a result of improvements useful when making future changes. Libby recalled that the town is constantly changing. Their aim is to to public transport the population boomed. This looking into the history of the former Defoe Chapel on retain some of the older buildings, not just for their brought further modernisation and adaptations to Tooting High Street where a friend of Tooting History In some ways Tooting is typical of physical architectural history, but also with respect architectural landmarks. Libby understands that all this Group remembered playing among the gravestones at lots of places, but more people to the social references they may hold. They are are realising what is special about transformation is a natural part of Tooting’s history, the back of the chapel but there was no map evidence determined that if the landmark or building must go it and they want to ensure that with advantages as well as disadvantages, but finding or plans recording a graveyard. Despite informing remains (financial viability for instance), then the proposals that the right balance is key. For example, converting the the council, development went ahead to extend the take its place must address Tooting’s needs. Many of Grade I listed Granada Cinema into the Gala Bingo ground floor of the retail unit, and soon enough, the the members have lived here their entire lives, and are “ hall, ensured the building remained, was accessible, contractors discovered human remains! Libby believes looking for a more considered approach of assessment. well managed and maintained. So not all change is that Tooting will be enriched if this history and social They say: “new does not always mean better.” negative. development is embedded it in, rather than lost. Protecting Existing 1.03 Statistics Assets

One way to investigate the value of the existing streetscape is to analyse the number of listed assets in Locally Listed within the Tooting Bec and Broadway NPF area 14. 87 Upper Tooting Road Ghost sign – Hovis

This list is an edited version of Locally Listed in Tooting by Tooting History Group –with 15. 21-23 Tooting High Street Tooting Market items beyond the NP area deleted. the TBBNF area compared to the rest of the borough. 16. 146 Longley Road Gospel Hall Wandsworth Council’s official Local List. Where there is no date in the right hand column it is assumed item was added to the list on 8th June 1983 17. Rear of Palladino House, Laurel C18th ‘Salvador wall’ –within curtilage of Close listed buildings (formerly 93 Tooting high Assets in conservation Areas: CA Street) Assets in the curtilage of a listed building : @LB 18. Salvador alley, off Mitcham Road Alleyway laid out in 1744 In Wandsworth’s established list of Buildings of Blackshaw Road, SW17 Lambeth Cemetery (all lodges and mortuary chapels) 19. Along north boundary of Heritage Boundary railings to former asylum grounds. Broadwater Road, SW17 Broadwater School Park between Franciscan Road and Now Heritage Park. Church Lane Architectural or Historic Interest, only 13 assets Garratt Lane, SW17 Streatham Cemetery (entrance, walls, lodges, gates, chapels) 20. From Franciscan Road along the Boundary wall to former asylum grounds back gardens of Mantilla Road Now Heritage Park. Glenburnie Road, SW17 Chapel to Springfield Hospital @LB 21. 77 Mitcham Road Ghost sign – Players fall within the TBBNF area - a tiny portion of the Glenburnie Road, SW17 Springfield Hospital grounds –parish boundary posts @LB 22. 90 Longley Road Blakemore photos 11.11.10 23. Kellino Street 1930’s chapel building Mitcham Road, SW17 a No.76 The Antelope PH 08.10.15 Wandsworth borough-wide total of 200. 24. 40 Mitcham Road, Graveney + Former Horse and Groom Mitcham Road, SW17 b1+b2 No.130 The Long Room PH 08.10.15 Meadow PH 25. 75 Mitcham Road Tooting Library Selkirk Road, SW17 c No.60 The Selkirk PH 08.10.15

Tooting High Street, SW17 No.38 The Castle PH 08.10.15 26. 162a Mitcham Road Corner shop front

Tooting High Street, SW17 d No.148-156 The Trafalgar Arms PH 08.10,15 27. Traffic island, Tooting High Street Lamp column near Tooting Broadway Station Since then, as a result of a Wandsworth Borough Tooting High Street, SW17 e No.196 The Manor PH 08.10.15 28. 143-169 odds Tooting High Street Group value. Saw toothed on plan, housing +retail Upper Tooting Road, SW17 No.2 The Wheatsheaf PH 23.09.13 29. 26-30 Upper Tooting Road 1937 former cinema. The Classic consultation initiated in 2013 (and not yet quite Upper Tooting Road, SW17 f 180-186 Former RACs store 11.10.10 30. 95 Upper Tooting Road, the Khalsa Tooting Gurdwara, former postal sorting Centre office 31. Glenburnie Road, Tooting Former Holy Trinity Church Parish Hall finalized), a further 63 assets have been nominated Nominated additions to Tooting’s Local List in the TBBNF area Neighbourhood Centre Currently detailed in Wandsworth’s own mapping as ‘Wandsworth Heritage Asset 32. Tooting Gardens, Cranmer Terrace HP+G Nominations; building, garden or other features’ alongside Listed Buildings and Locally within the TBBNF area and are marked as crosses Listed Buildings. (Numbers correspond to photos of assets) 33. Fountain Recreation Ground HP+G Recreation ground 1932 1. Running along Moffat Road Gardens 18th Century Wall 34. Fircroft Road Fircroft Primary School, 1896 and car park at St. Augustine’s From a long demolished manor house. Church, Broadwater Road Reputed to have a connection with Daniel 35. 47 Upper Tooting Road Corner building, fading glory, cupola on the Landmark Area Map (see page 10). In wider Defoe. 36. 1-24 Renmuir Road Doland Court 37. 49+67 Upper Tooting Road Telephone + Employment Exchange

Tooting, beyond the TBBNF area, there are a total of 38. 223 Mitcham Road and 6-8 Amen Corner parade Example: St. Boniface Presbytery Church Southcroft Road 81. Across Wandsworth there were 423 nominations in total, so the TBBNF area is catching up with a number that seems reasonably proportionate compared with

other areas. 2. 156 Longley Road Jubilee Villa 39. 12 Mitcham Road Early Georgian survivor Attractive family house with coloured lass (Lloyds Bank) upper sash windows. Something of a 40. 18 Mitcham Road Early Georgian survivor showpiece for Maws and Co products with 7 (Vegas Gold) tiled panels including transfer printed pictoral 41. Balham High Road, SW12 Moira Court tiles by Owen Gibbons who worked on decoration of South Kensington Museum 42. 124 Mitcham Road GR Post box, in wall

Opposite is a list of each asset (courtesy of Libby 43. 107 +109 Longley Road ‘Mona’ and ‘The Gables’

44. 38-52 evens Brightwell Crescent Lancet porches + mullioned window terrace Lawson) currently listed within the TBBNF area, and a 3. 19 Tooting High Street The former Defoe Chapel 45. 8+10 Byton Road Early batch production block built front garden wall

4. 111-113 Tooting High Street The former Tooting Constitutional Club 46. 58 Upper Tooting Road Georgian. Altered but retains integrity few visual examples. buildings; Field house c1740 and adjoining Merton Lodge c1840 47. 18 Noyna Road Ghost sign –Meggazones To be demolished under current proposals 48. Corner of Letchworth Street and VR Post box Upper Tooting Road 5. 111-113 Tooting High Street Skittle Alley 49. 185 Mitcham Road St. Boniface presbytery. C18th altered 50. Blackshaw Road Summerstown Mission Evangelical Church 6. 46 Longley Road Blue LCC Plaque, former residence of Harry 51. 69 Tooting High Street ‘Round House’ Corner building at crossroads Lauder (at one time Chelsea Girl) Example: Portland Stone Lion and Unicorn th 7. Lime tree Walk, St Benedict’s Close Portico and clock tower from 19 century 52. 3 Selkirk Road Harrington’s Pie and Mash shop former hospital 53. Junction of St.James’s Drive +Trinity 2 Boundary posts Crescent 8. Hawthorn Crescent entry, Church VR post box, built into the brick wall 54. In grounds of St.George’s Hospital nr Gates from 1733 ‘of listable age and quality’ Lane pedestrian entrance on Effort Street WBC 55. 89 Mellison Road Sea Cadet huts and gun

56. 140 Tooting Bec Road Rose and Crown PH 57. Bronte House, St Georges Hospital Remaining purpose built accommodation for 9. Rectory Lane Brick gateway to former St benedict’s nurses belonging to Grove hospital Hospital 58. 122 Upper Tooting Road Three storey cottages with date stone 1822 10. Entrance to Hawthorn Crescent , Brick gateway to former St benedict’s Church Lane Hospital

11. St George’s Hospital, Blackshaw Portland stone Lion and Unicorn originally Road entrance from St Benedict’s Hospital

12. 48 Tooting High Street and mews Formerly Jung’s bakery. (Now Carphone warehouse)

13. 22 and 30 Mitcham Road Capitols to shop fronts; Agriculture, Commerce and Industry 2. WELL-BEING 2.01 Character

Maintaining good health This puts added pressure on the green spaces available and wellbeing means equal to also perform the civic function of the missing town square. By looking at the open spaces currently at access to healthcare services the public’s disposal, their character/qualities, and and open space for exercise, accessibility, we can examine how well the existing fresh air, and public life. situation contributes to Tooting’s well-being.

Well-Being is a rather broad term and very difficult to Healthcare facilities can cover hospitals, GP surgeries, quantify empirically. It can cover physical or mental dental practices, opticians, clinics, consultants, health, imposed living standards or stress levels due alternative medicine, nursing homes and mental to personal circumstances. As this study is interested health services. This can show the range of services in well-being in relation to improving life in Tooting available for residents, and how accessible they are specifically, we have focused on two main areas that from different parts of Tooting, or if there is anything can be clearly identified: open space and healthcare not provided for in the town centre. In this way, we can facilities. draw conclusions about how well residents are served in terms of healthcare. Open spaces provide opportunity for fresh air, free exercise, social interaction and public events. These two aspects are inextricably linked. Wandsworth’s They are vital to the sense of community in an area. Open Space Study states that “the most deprived areas ^ Summer Synchro at Tooting Bec Lido (just outside the TBBNA) Whilst private gardens are desirable too, they do not in the borough are located in Putney Vale, Battersea... alleviate social isolation or allow for events beyond a and parts of Tooting...Two aspects of deprivation that family scale. Tooting does not have a central square are particularly relevant to open space needs are or plaza like many purpose-built town centres, so the illness and disability, and mental health...Roehampton, busy high streets have no over-spill space, and there Tooting Graveney, Clapham Junction and Battersea, are not even many benches for moments fo respite. show a higher than expected prevalence of illness and This makes it difficult to enjoy chance encounters with disability.” (Wandsworth Open Space Study, paragraph friends, or for elderly people to remain confident in 3.46). We can therefore conclude that it is paramount their independence for daily tasks like food shopping. to address these two issues together. Open Space and Walking Battersea Sir Walter Saint Ironsides Sports John Sports Distances Area Map Club Ground

Key:

Golf Course 100m Springfield University Fircroft Primary Hospital and Grounds School Publicly accessible Garratt Tooting Bec Green Private/under-utilised by the public

Strathdon Drive This map identifies all open spaces (green or Estate otherwise) available. Light green shows the publicly accessible spaces, such as Tooting Gardens. Dark green Tooting Common Streatham shows those that are not open to the public, such as Cemetery Fishponds Playing Broadwater Primary School. This mapping exercise Fields was continued outside of the TBBNA because there are many open spaces in close proximity that should Broadwater All Saints Church Primary School Newlands and be taken into account, and in reality, they are not Massingberd Estates experienced in isolation. This is overlaid with walking distances taken from the main open spaces as an indication of ease of accessibility. Fountain Road Tooting Tooting Broadway Recreation Gardens Franciscan Ground Primary School The map reveals that whilst there are many public open Lambeth St. George’s spaces in the nearby area, central Tooting has only very Cemetery Hospital and Grounds Tooting small pockets of breathing space. This map can be read Primary School Furzedown in terms of urban grain too. The majority of Tooting’s Furzedown Recreation Ground streets are terraced Victorian housing, with private back St Nicholas Church gardens providing amenity space for their residents. Gardens

However, those that have now been converted into Wandle Meadow flats often leave top floor residents with a long walk Nature Park to the nearest park. Newer estates consisting of apartment blocks, look like they are swathed in green, but the quality of these spaces could be questioned as they tend to be hardy planting rather than useable space to play/socialise outdoors, but some of these, N Colliers Wood such as Newlands, are located strategically right next Recreation N to large open spaces like Tooting Common. Schools Ground with open playing space is great for the students, but perhaps under-utilised at the weekends. 0 0.5 1 Kilometers 1- Public Open Spaces examples

Key:

1. Tooting Gardens 2. Streatham Cemetery 3. Fishponds Playing Fields 4. All Saints Church Gardens 5. St George’s Hospital Grounds 6. Newlands Estate Gardens 1 2 3

Tooting has a great variety of types of open spaces: from parks to cemeteries, church grounds to estates. However, the majority of these spaces are located towards the peripheries of the TBBNA. Larger swathes of open space are great for festivals amongst many 4 other possibilities to enhance public life, but sometimes create problems for policing due to lack of overlooking.

Wandsworth’s Open Space Study notes that “Crime and fear of crime can negatively impact upon residents’ experiences and perceptions of open space. “ (Wandsworth Open Space Study, 2007, paragraphs 3.54-55 and table 3.8) They include a table showing patterns of crime at ward level. The data is expressed 5 as a rate per 1000 residents, and is for one month 6 (January 2006) rather than an annual figure. Tooting and Graveney score in the highest 4 wards (with 2.19 and 2.35 respectively). However, if you compare this to 0.89 in Wandworth Common, perhaps open space is not the issue. This could benefit from further statistical investigation as the Neighbourhood Plan takes shape. 2- Private/Under utilised/ untidy space examples

Key:

1. Private railing interuptions (Massingberd Way) 2. Fly tipping (Chuch Lane) 3. Amen Corner (Mitcham Road) 4. Tooting Bec Road (south side) 5. Garratt Terrace Corner (Garratt Lane) 6. Pavement fly tipping (Mitcham Road)

1 2 3

4

Treatment of the public realm is directly linked to public perception - if an area feels unloved, then why should anyone care if a little more rubbish is added to the pile of fly tipping? These examples show spaces in the TBBNA where open space has either not been treated with respect (example 6), or bad planning has resulted 5 6 in potentially enjoyable spaces being cut off (example 1), or used for commercial gain instead of civic amenity (example 5). If these small adjustments were made, it is likely that a shift in attitude to the public realm in TBBNA would follow, and the public may take greater pride in taking care of their town centre together. Healthcare Facilities Area Map

Key:

Hospitals Springfield Hospital GP Surgeries Dental Practices Tooting Bec Opticians Clinics/health consultants/therapy /alternative medicine Pharmacies Nursing Homes Mental Health Services 100m

This map identifies the many forms of healthcare facilities available in the TBBNA. Outside of the boundary, only Springfield Hospital has been taken Tooting Broadway into account as it is so prominent. This is overlaid with walking distances taken from a centre point along the high road between the two main stations as an St. George’s Hospital indication of ease of accessibility.

As you might expect, certain patterns begin to emerge. Where you find a GP surgery, you often find a pharmacy to dispense the prescription, for instance. Nursing homes tend to be located a little further off the beaten track. Clearly the high streets have the widest and most diverse offering, with a hub of healthcare services emerging towards the South of Tooting High Street where Trevelyan House Surgery offers one of the few N multi-storey healthcare centres. Those living behind St. N George’s Hospital, in the roads around the Furzedown Estate, and in the roads to the North of Tooting Bec Road near Tooting Common are the worst served. 0 0.5 1 Kilometers 2.02 People

Indrajit immigrated from Tanzania to the UK in 1972 to address these problems, and is happy to see that and set up Tooting Pharmacy Practice in 1981. His this offer is improving every year in Tooting. There independant shop has been in its original premises are many more street parties now for example, and on the high street for over 37 years. As chairman of everybody takes part, which creates a greater sense of Tooting Partnership, he is also interested in a holistic togetherness. Indrajit emphasises the importance of approach to healthcare, trying to improve well-being making sure a draw is provided for all sorts of people in small ways. to these events.

Indrajit enjoys the social side of his work. As a “A lot of people are very isolated...in pharmacist, he has to concisely distill information, pharmacies we encourage people to talk”. whilst being sensitive to the privacy of the customer. Pharmacies receive only a little help from the NHS, The diversity of Tooting’s population sometime creates which Indrajit considers to be “token”, and there is now a a challenge here, but Indrajit celebrates this variety. government policy to reduce the number of pharmacies, Tooting Pharmacy Practice He finds that some migrants have a different cultural especially in London. Indrajit feels that the pressure his attitude towards health than their native neighbours. role as a motivator - helping his customers to be proud work takes off of hospitals, is underappreciated by the Indrajit Patel For instance, he has noticed that many have more of their health achievements - as much as an advisor. government. He thinks that many health workers have Tooting Pharmacy Practice heart, obesity and vitamin D deficiency issues. Indrajit He identifies the need to “blow our own trumpet” become demoralised for the same reason, alongside believes that this stems from their cultural transition, more, and to let people know that what is provided lack of progress. Indrajit suggests that working better sometimes exacerbated by tight budgets in poorer now is under threat. with the large local hospitals might benefit them both, Every pharmacy has a degree families. He would like to have the time and money to for instance in combatting wasteage. of permanence, a degree of invest in solving these problems at the root cause, but Indrajit is an advocate of conveying health education in presence, a degree of solidarity on often finds that he can only treat the symptoms. innovative methods. He believes that campaigns such the high street... The town centre “Most people who work, work with their anti-smoking could be more successful if carried out is already having certain issues, Indrajit’s interest are a little wider than the field of heart”. in much more informal, dynamic ways. This could be you need to have a good offer healthcare, but expand to include personal well-being, digital for younger generations, or even in the form of Tooting Pharmacy Practice offers the community “ such as the provision of local open spaces. He also a play if there were more common space in Tooting convenient, late opening hours and specialist recognises issues of mental health and social isolation. centre for regular meetings. knowledge, as well as a listening ear. Indrajit sees his Indrajit is very supportive of local events that help Kemi lives and works in Tooting. She grew up here and over the last 5 years. In Kemi’s line of work they survey came back to live in Tooting for the last 13 years. Kemi is their beneficiaries once a year, and have noticed that a Youth Worker, a local Councillor, and runs Be Enriched people who used to live locally now come from quite - a youth and community charity that aims to balance far away. She feels that these people are being moved inequalities whilst building community cohesion and out systematically. There used to be more families developing skills in young people. Be Enriched provide living in Tooting, but now it’s more transient. People a meal, a chat, and a bag of food to take home to can’t really settle down because of house costs, so the vulnerable people in a Tooting every week. They use communities are being split up. only surplus food from large supermarkets. Despite Tooting’s growing wealth, Be Enriched’s Kemi feels that Tooting has changed quite a lot since weekly meal service is still very popular. They have she grew up here, becoming slowly more gentrified. approximately 60 people who come every week. Kemi There are a lot more coffee shops now, and the market hopes that they will stop coming, because that means in particular has changed a lot. Recently Peddleback that they will have done their job. Cafe, a local favourite, had to leave Broadway market Cafe Ole Kemi Akinola because their rent was doubled. Kemi believes that Be Enriched have moved to Brixton because, across knowledge. Kemi enjoys this work, especially working Be Enriched youth worker and Local Councillor this approach will lose the market customers in the Wandsworth, there is a lack of spaces for charities - no with teenagers. There is also a food bus project in long run. She would like either of the local markets to cheap office space or voluntary sector to speak of. All the pipeline. This will be a portable, sustainable food engage with Be Enriched as they have a shared interest charities are having to move out to make ends meet. market, with a cafe on the top deck, bringing quality, The current administration does in food and could support independant trading. and affordable food to locals. not value the work that charities “The Wandsworth Council outsource a do Kemi also notices that there has been an increase lot of services, so there’s not as much in people begging. She feels that since the area has accountability to the public .” become wealthier, they have been attracted here. Kemi She is currently working on a permanent cafe which works supporting vulnerable families - people who are will open very soon. Be Enriched are currently “ homeless or socially isolated- but believes that these running cooking lessons all over Southwark which are organised beggars, possibly working for someone. aim to use community skill sharing to improve health House prices have increased in Tooting dramatically Age Structure and Health 2.03 Statistics

Age Structure Key: 1 35

TBBNA 30 Wandsworth 25 London

1. Age Structure 20 TBBNA 2. Healthiness Wandsworth 15 London

* Statistics for the TBBNA data has been calculated from collating Percentage together Tooting, Graveney, 1/2Bedford and 1/5Nightingale 2011 10 census ward data 5

0 0 to 4 5 to 14 15 to 19 20 to 29 30 to 44 45 to 64 65 to 74 75 to 84 85+

As the graph shows, the TBBNA has a relatively young Age Groups population, particularly young adults, with higher than 2 Wandsworth or London average ages 20-29. The Healthiness majority are 30-44, and only 2% are over 85. Most probably linked to this, is the indication that “very good 70 health” is higher than London average, if lower than Wandsworth. 60

50 However, for older or disabled residents, whilst making TBBNA up a smaller percentage of the population, it is 40 Wandsworth naturally more difficult to move around freely, unaided 30 London and free of physical limitations. As noted elsewhere, Percentage 20 the lack of resting places, accessible shops and venues, and close by green space are all barriers to well-being 10 for everyone, especially the most vulnerable in society. 0 These are considerations not visible through these Very good health Good health Fair health Bad health Very bad health statistics, but still very important to make Tooting work Quality for everyone. Further statistical investigation into the link between Tooting’s demographic (age structure in particular) and use of open space may yield useful results for the argument for more open space in the TBBNA. Changing Demographics: News Article Extracts

London’s Tooting: gentrification and the Neighbourhood watch: Tooting has become a In praise of Tooting, south London Poverty and gentrification in Tooting Bec ‘Northern line effect’ cool corner of south London The changes in the neighbourhood are not all about According to Wandsworth Council the child FOR years this shabby neighbourhood about five LAST year, Lonely Planet named Tooting as one gastro pubs and artisan drinks. One of the best poverty rate is at 27.32% and poverty at 21.54%, miles from central London has been a no-go area of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods — a far things about the area, says editor of Tooting Daily income inequality is relatively high in Wandsworth, for high-end property developers, but with the cry from the time not so long ago when buyers PRSS Dave Mauger, is its huge array of charities where the gap between rich and poor is greater average house price now at more than £860,000, and renters whose budgets didn’t quite stretch to and non-profit groups, including Transition Town than in 26 out of the other 31 boroughs and according to Foxtons, and sales of properties priced Clapham or Balham used to think they’d drawn the Tooting, which runs Foodival where people donate premature mortality is among the worst in London. £2m to £3m increasingly common, that might not short straw by moving there. their locally-grown food and veg to be cooked by According to Wandsworth Council, “728 out of be the case for much longer. local restaurants and given out for free; community every 100,000-people aged 55-64 year olds die ...‘Tooting has something for all ages and is popular kitchen Graveney canteen; the Chickpea Sisters, during this period of their life making Tooting Bec ...“The high street is still grotty in parts,” says Jo with young professionals eager to get a seat on and Little Village. “There is a genuine sense of the fourth highest rate in the capital.”... in the new Eccles from buying agents Sourcing Property, “but the Northern line, as well as young families, thanks community here and people want to help each future we hope to be an area not just thriving due there are definite signs of rapid gentrification.”... to the green spaces. Average price for a two- other out,” says Mauger. to it explosion of fancy bars and restaurants but “After all, when you can spend £4m up the road in bed property is £1,550 pcm,’ says Paul Rooney of due to the health, education and well-being for Wandsworth but get the same thing in Tooting for Jacksons. - Guardian, Thu 24 Aug 2017 everybody who lives there. £2.5m to £3m, then it’s a logical choice.” - Metro, 27th August 2018 - Young Reporter, This is Local London, 31st March - Financial Times, 20th November 2015 Why Tooting deserves to be up there alongside 2018 New York and Florence in Lonely Planet’s Labour’s Candidate For Tooting Can’t Afford To estimations Saluting Tooting: Why London’s best-kept Buy A Home There Because Of Gentrification secret made the Lonely Planet hip list Tooting retains the grit that other gentrified Sitting in Tartine, a French-Moroccan artisanal cafe London neighbourhoods have sacrificed – which To be fair, Tooting has been hip for quite a while – Effort has been made to find a representative selection opposite Tooting Broadway station, Rosena Allin- is partly why Lonely Planet chose it. The long- it’s just that no one could be bothered to venture of recent news articles that touch on Tooting’s Khan, the Labour candidate in the upcoming by- established curry houses have not been pushed that far south to discover it. One east London friend changing demographics. This qualitative, anecdotal election, tells BuzzFeed News she can’t afford to out by the pop-ups. “While the area is undeniably never once crossed the river for an evening out with material evidences the general consensus that the buy a home in the much-changed area. “Being a gaining traction among London’s cool-hunters, it me, no matter how many times I tried to convince area is perhaps gentrifying in terms of house prices, councillor I deal with housing all of the time,” she has retained its identity,” says Emma Sparks, deputy her that Hackney wasn’t the only happening spot. population age that it attracts, and the food offer, but says. “I’m personally forced to rent because I can’t editor of Lonelyplanet.com and Tooting resident. is managing to retain its’ strong sense of community afford to buy in the area that I grew up.” “The beauty of Tooting is it’s a real community.” - Independent, Thursday August 24th 2017 so far. This can complement harder, more quantitative evidence such as rising rents and house prices in - Buzzfeed, 20th May 2016 - Daily Telegraph, 24th August 2017 relation to salaries that can be gathered at a later stage. Open Space Analysis Map

Key:

Wandsworth Wards Legend Tooting Bec and Broadway Wandsworth Wards Neighbourhood Area IMD Score by Output Area IMD Score by Output Area: Index of Multiple 0 - 20% Most Deprived Deprivation Bank (% of all England): 0 - 20% Most Deprived 20 - 50% Most Deprived 20 - 50% Most Deprived Legend 50% Least Deprived

50% Least Deprived Wandsworth Wards

IMD Score by Output Area 0 - 20% Most Deprived

20 - 50% Most Deprived

50% Least Deprived

0 0.2 0.4 0.8 1.2 1.6 This open space deprivation study by Wandsworth Kms

CLIENT shows that the TBBNA is amoung the worst areas for WANDSWORTH open space provision in the borough, with only a little BOROUGH COUNCIL PROJECT respite shown near Tooting Common and Springfields WANDSWORTH OPEN SPACE STUDY

Hospital. However, this does not seem to take areas TITLE FIGURE 3.6 such as Streatham Cemetery into account, as that area Index of Multiple Deprivation Rank is shaded as part of the 0-20% most deprived. N (% all England)

0 0.2 0.4 0.8 1.2 1.6 SCALE DATE DRAWN > Wandsworth Borough Council Open Space Study, by Atkins Kms 1:41,000 at A4 30/03/2006 AMG This maCp LisI EbNasTed upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office © Crown copyright 1. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Wandsworth Borought Council License No 100019270 2005 WANDSWORTH Filepath:P:\GBEMB\MandI\Planning\500 series Project Folders\504 2388 Wandsworth Open Space Strategy\Technical\GIS\project\Figure3.6_IMD_A4.mxd BOROUGH COUNCIL

PROJECT WANDSWORTH OPEN SPACE STUDY

TITLE FIGURE 3.6 Index of Multiple Deprivation Rank (% all England)

SCALE DATE DRAWN

1:41,000 at A4 30/03/2006 AMG This map is based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office © Crown copyright 1. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Wandsworth Borought Council License No 100019270 2005 Filepath:P:\GBEMB\MandI\Planning\500 series Project Folders\504 2388 Wandsworth Open Space Strategy\Technical\GIS\project\Figure3.6_IMD_A4.mxd 3. RETAIL 3.01 Character

In 2017, Lonely Plant Rather than using planning code class uses (eg. A1 retail) published an article on which can create an internalised understanding of an area, we have invented our own coding to show types “10 of the worlds coolest of use from cafe to hotel, industry to entertainment. neighbourhoods to visit right Using this colour coding, we can build up a picture of now” and named Tooting as which areas are suffering with vacant units that do not one of them. contribute to the vitality of the high street. We can also determine what makes for a successful high street in Tooting is now being recognised as a destination in Tooting. its own right. Offering a multicultural slice of London with great transport links and a strong community, it is Using this methodology, it has emerged that Tooting inevitable that Tooting is becoming more desirable for Bec town centre is a great example of a flourishing retailers and the food industry as its popularity grows. retail hub. There are few vacant units, and a healthy mix of use types, carefully situated in relation to the tube Tootopia, a 3 day festival of food, drink and station. There is provision for industrial manufacturing, entertainment, already attracts visitors from outside of but this is well separated from the rest of the retail. Tooting. At a finer grain, the two markets of Tooting The prominent corners of the crossroads have and Broadway have also seen regeneration. Long- appropriate use types (public services such as Tooting standing local traders continue to be supported and Bec underground station, and a pub - social hub), survive alongside new start ups that have helped and other use types are well dispersed. This creates a increase footfall. However, those outside of the food vibrant street life as people with different needs from and drink industry are struggling as the markets have different backgrounds have many chances to mingle become night-life destinations rather than a place to as they cross paths. This also brings the shops more buy household goods as they used to be. business as those walking past without the original aim of spending money there, see something eye-catching Each retail hub has been identified, and analysed in on their way elsewhere. Healthy competition is created, terms of use, alongside photographed elevations, to the street has a diverse offering, and public life can ^ Tootopia Map - Sep 2015 show an example of the character of these retail types. thrive. Retail Hubs Area Map

Key:

1. Tooting Bec town centre

2. Tooting Bec Road parade 1 3. Tooting Broadway town centre Tooting Bec 4. Franciscan Road clusters 5. Mitcham Road town centre 2 6. London Road parade 7. Tooting Gravenery town centre 8. Garratt Road clusters

3 8 In this map, eight ‘hubs’ of retail within the TBBNF area boundary are identified. This was examined beyond 4 the main central spine (Balham High Road, Upper Tooting Road to Tooting High Street) because for local Tooting Broadway residents, Tooting’s retail extends beyond that. If you live in one of the terraced rows off of Franciscan Road, you are more likely to go to the closest corner shop for milk than to walk further. 5 7 Each hub has its own identity. Mitcham Road, for example, is distinct from nearby Tooting Broadway because it features a particularly restaurant/bar focused offering. This illustrates the reality of Tooting’s ‘poly- centric’ nature - retail centres within a town centre. It also shows that those living near Lambeth cemetery, 6 Tooting Common, or Springfield Hospital are the worst served. These uses all take up a great deal of land and perhaps don’t attract retail enterprise. On the plus N side, those living in these areas enjoy quieter streets, easy access to open space, and less of the mess often associated with high street retail. 0 0.5 1 Kilometers 1 - Tooting Bec town centre retail uses Mostly small scale shopping retail and professional services with a large public services anchor tenant. Key:

Neighbourhood Plan boundary Retail Hub area Main roads Buildings Professional Service Ilesh Patel, proprietor of Miss Shopping Retail U Stationers. ‘We sell stationery, Cafe/ Restaurant greeting cards and gifts. We’ve been Takeaway here for over 40 years and we get to Other meet lots of people in the shop.’ Public Services Public House Vacant Entertainment Hotel/Hostel Light Industry

Key map 3 - Tooting Broadway town centre retail uses Bhavesh Patel runs Patel Bros with Mostly small scale shopping retail with a large public his family on Upper Tooting Road: services anchor tenant. “I manage the shop with my family Key: – I deliver, I fill the shelves, I serve people, all with a smile on my face! ‘ Neighbourhood Plan boundary Retail Hub area Main roads Buildings Professional Service Shopping Retail Cafe/ Restaurant Takeaway Other Public Services Public House Vacant Entertainment Hotel/Hostel Light Industry

Key map 5 - Mitcham Road Margaret, Tooting resident and town centre retail uses concert goer. ‘Oh, I’ve seen them Mostly entertainment, pub and food-based offers all. Tom Jones, Sinatra, The Stones. I professional services make this the night life centre outside of the markets. was there at the Granada in ‘58 when Key: Jerry Lee Lewis came to town.’ shop/retail

Neighbourhood Plan boundary Retail Hub area cafe/restaurant Main roads Buildings takeaway Professional Service Shopping Retail other Cafe/ Restaurant Takeaway Other public services Public Services Public House public house Vacant Entertainment vacant Hotel/Hostel Light Industry entertainment

hotel/hostel

industrial

Key map 7 - Tooting Graveney town centre retail uses This hub has a few vacant units, but also some great retail and pub offers.

Key: professional services Neighbourhood Plan boundary Retail Hub area shop/retail Main roads Buildings Annmaree is a local social media cafe/restaurant Professional Service freelancer. “I love working for myself Shopping Retail and scheduling my own time. It’s Cafe/ Restaurant important to get out of the house takeaway Takeaway when the walls start closing in!” Other other Public Services Public House public services Vacant Entertainment Hotel/Hostel public house Light Industry vacant

entertainment

hotel/hostel

industrial

Key map Retail Hubs Analysis Map

Key:

1. Tooting Bec town centre 2. Tooting Bec Road parade 1 3. Tooting Broadway town centre Tooting Bec 4. Franciscan Road clusters 5. Mitcham Road town centre 2 6. London Road parade 7. Tooting Gravenery town centre 8. Garratt Road clusters

Vacant Independant 3 Chain 8

4

Tooting Broadway

On the whole, Tooting enjoys an impressive range of independant retail choices and low vacancy rates. Vacancy is highest further from tube stations as footfall 5 7 drops off, and particularly in the centre of Upper Tooting Road where large sites exist that are difficult for small businesses to fill. Chain shops are generally concentrated near the tube stations. This reflects increased rents and unit sizes towards the station. The ability for a company to occupy this type of outlet is 6 easier when there is central management, standardised business practices and a brand recognition. The low vacancy and high numbers of independant shops and N wholesale is a denotes the success of new start ups and the diverse shopping retail desired and supported by the local community. 0 0.5 1 Kilometers 3.02 People

Tooting Market originally opened in the 1930s. It was After several years Roi’s hard work to make the Tooting then owned by one family who passed it down the Market an attraction has paid off. The balance of new generations until 2010 when it was sold to a new owner. types of traders alongside improved operations has made Tooting Market a local benchmark. Its’ day They contacted Roi to come on board and be the time and night time dynamics provide a continuously market manager as he had been successfully running changing atmosphere and saw an increasing footfall The Stables market in Camden for ten years. Since then, from visitors and locals, winning it ‘Best Small Indoor he has been running and operating Tooting Market Market’ in 2017 at the Great British Market Awards. for eight and half years, dealing with everything from lettings, to rent collections, trader disputes, suppliers, These days Roi gets three to four requests for food units deliveries, events and expansion... anything needed to every week, but he wants to give the Market longevity and life, which he believes comes from diversity rather built it up! than saturating a market with one unit type or trade.

“The buzz, streetfood and nightlife now in The key is variety, and despite the rising popularity of street food, he places greater value on the original Tooting Market Tooting is flourishing”. Roi Mengelgrein day traders. Roi strongly believes in curating this mix Tooting Market Manager of people as it provides protection for his tenants. In However, at the beginning he had the hard task of doing this, he creates a sense of pride and security reinventing Tooting Market. Back then it was in need Not to loose the identity and among the tenants. saturate the whole of Tooting, but of being turned around as there were only 22 tenants, if you can shape it and decorate and the units were big and mostly empty. Several With increased footfall and the digital age comes new it just like we do in the Market traders were not opening or had poor business models issues for Roi to manage. Theft and security is ever you could turn Tooting into the which led to a depleted atmosphere. His first strategy Hollywood of London... and the pressing, but he has invested in the Market’s own was to make the unit sizes smaller, reducing rents and way to do that is to have dialogue security guards, CCTV, and uses a group chat between making it more affordable for upcoming business types “with all the property owners. the traders for emergencies. He has expanded the alongside the traditional traders who were “practically space into the yard at the back, and maintains the born in the market” and still providing the day trades, social platforms to inform as many people as possible like the butchers and green grocers. of upcoming events and activities happening there. Albert, Rosa, Martha, Eleanor and April are year 9 and when it’s dark. 11 students. They all live in Tooting Bec and Broadway, Albert, Rosa, Martha, Eleanor and April tend to socialise but go to Chestnut Grove Secondary School in Balham at friend’s houses, or go into London for something because there is no state secondary school in their different, rather than hanging out in Tooting. immediate area. However, they are very happy at Chestnut Grove. They have great friends and feel that “There’s a real lack of things to do if you the school is treating them as individuals, preparing don’t want to buy an expensive drink”. them well for diverse futures. Compared to the local private school, Eleanor felt that Chestnut Grove is more They all agree that the Common is great in the open to alternative routes, such as apprenticeships, Summer, and the market is exciting, but that there are and does not measure their success on university not many local activities for young people. In general, acceptance figures alone. clothes shopping and entertainment are missing for them, and they sometimes feel judged when entering

It is a 30 minute walk or a 10 minute bus for most of shops, as people often assume that teenagers will try the group to commute to school. The buses are hardly to steal something. Martha would like a local cinema, Chestnut Grove School (outside of the boundary) Albert, Rosa, Martha, Eleanor ever on time, and whilst they don’t mind walking, and Albert would love a bowling alley. They all enjoy and April busy traffic and rubbish on streets is off-putting. The the choice of places to eat, but April mentioned how Teenagers of Tooting teenagers noted that they would like to cycle more if there used to be a wider range of shops in the market, the roads were less congested and dangerous. Albert there were more crafts etc., not just food. We don’t really go out because pointed out that the main crossings at Tooting Bec and there’s just not much for us to do Broadway underground stations often have accidents, Albert, Rosa, Martha, Eleanor and April have noticed especially as a result of ambulances rushing to the a change in their area. They see that more young two nearby hospitals. Rosa suggested that if there adults have moved out of central London into Tooting were separate cycle paths, that would be a safer, more recently. The teenagers anticipate their future to be enjoyable way to travel, and they might choose this joining this crowd of commuters working in the city. On “ over taking the bus. The teenagers do feel safe walking this subject, they would like to more opportunities for around Tooting unaccompanied by adults, but say that weekend/summer jobs. One thing everyone agrees on there are not enough streetlights in residential areas that should be celebrated in Tooting: “It’s really diverse”. Industries and 3.03 Statistics Occupations Industry

TBBNA Row 38 london

1 18 Key: 16

14

TBBNA 12

Wandsworth 10

London 8

1. Industry sectors Percentage 6

2. Occupational status 4

* Statistics for the TBBNA data has been calculated from collating 2 together Tooting, Graveney, 1/2Bedford and 1/5Nightingale 2011 census ward data 0 Mining M&E Construction Transport/Storage Information/Comms. Real estate Administrative/Support Education Other Agriculture Manufacturing Water management Wholesale/Retail Accommodation/Food Financial/Insurance Professional/Scientific Public Admin. Social Work

Sector group

Oc. Status As illustrated in the occupational status statistics, 2 70 the number of adults in full time employment in the Rental price commercial premises in Tooting: TBBNA is higher than across London, but below the 60 -approximately £40 per square foot if close to the station, further away can be between borough level, and a lower percentage of people 50 in self-employment. The main sectors of work are £30-35 per sq ft 40 wholesale/retail, professional/scientific, and social Employee-Part Rental price market pitches in Tooting Market: Row 37 Row 37 work. Wholesale/retail in particular is higher than 30 London -vary and depend on the size of the pitch and Percentage the Wandsworth figures, reflecting the prosperous operator (e.g. a chain operator such as Franco 20 economic activity that can be seen and felt in the Manca would pay more per week than an TBBNA retail hubs. 10 independent one person trader)

0 Employee-Full Unemployed Retired Long-term sick or disabled This helps conclude that the small business rate relief Employee-Part Self-employed Full-time student Caring for family Other -Brian Albuquerque, Tooting Town Centre Manager that Wandsworth Council offer, the availability of smaller Status of occupation units, and the demands of the changing demographic are contributing to the resilient retail environment and are (alongside public sector work) successfully creating jobs. 4. HOUSING 4.01 Character

“Tooting’s personality is rooted existing locals are increasingly forced out of Tooting. in the sheer multiplicity of Meanwhile, older people who bought when property housing styles, outdone only by here was affordable, are understandably enjoying the diversity of the occupants.” life in vibrant Tooting, but not downsizing - further exacerbating low supply. (Tooting’s Character, TBBNF)

Housing is the TBBNA’s single biggest land use. Whilst To combat this, new build housing often needs to be the majority of Tooting’s housing is Victorian terraced, much denser than the original housing it is replacing, there is a diverse range available across the whole area. and so the character of the streets is slowly changing. From converted one bedroom flats above shops on the Tooting’s conservation areas do have some extra high street, to generous detached family homes, listed planning measures in place to control change. Whilst buildings to new build estates, Tooting covers many this helps to preserve an area’s character, it can also tenure types. stifle much-needed innovation or expansion to help ease the housing crisis. The largest problem the TBBNA However, along with most London suburbs faces is the extreme lack of social rented housing experiencing the “Northern Line effect”, house prices available, versus the excess of private rented. Striking in the last 20 years, and particularly the last 6 or 7, the right balance here can be a complex and sensitive have sky rocketed. Although the average sold price task as developer incentives need to be managed has decreased 3.02% in the last two years, this is still alongside the real needs of the area. ^ Totterdown Field Estate - Feb 2019 an average of £628,922. Considering that the average price in 2000 was approximately £230,000, this is an Twelve distinct residential characters have been increase of 173.4% (according to Zoopla). As housing in identified by the TBBNF with respect to house age zones 1-2 becomes more and more unaffordable, many and typology. Example of these characters have been people have moved out to zone 3, especially young highlighted, and the whole TBBNA has been examined professionals. This has created demand for smaller in terms of density, consultation interviews with locals, tenure types, so many landlords have converted 3 and statistical evidence. This “hard and soft” approach family houses into 1 bed flats, driving up prices. As combines to build up a many-faceted picture of the a result, young families looking to buy a house or housing situation in Tooting. Residential Characters Area Map

Key: 1 1. Wandsworth Common Conservation Area

2. Heaver Estate 5 3. Newlands Tooting Bec 4. Heritage Park 2 5. Fircroft 6. Fishponds 7. Totterdown Fields 8. Tooting Broadway 9. Tooting 6 3 10. Graveney 5 11. Church Lane St. Benedicts

4 7 This map identifies the different characters of housing 9 in the TBBNA. 11 types were identified by typology, ranging from the Victorian terraced housing to the Tooting Broadway newer landscaped estates. Retail hubs are shown 8 in relation to the housing. The definition of these boundaries is usually taken from the backs of gardens rather than drawing the line down the centre of the street. This is because in reality the experience of walking down a street is not cut in half, unless the 11 housing type really does change from one side of the street to the other. 10

This analysis highlights a few interesting crossovers and definitions. It is clear here that there is a direct correlation between housing typology and the adjacent retail hub - this is usually where the character changes. The mapping also illustrates change over N time; the conservation areas generally correlating to the residential character area, and not changing so much as they are protected from development. 0 0.5 1 Kilometers 1 - Wandsworth Common Conservation Area

Large, mainly semi-detached single-family dwellings in fine examples of Queen-Anne style housing.

Key:

Neighbourhood Plan boundary Residential area Main roads Buildings

Key map 3 - Newlands Estate

Small, single family or smaller terraced maisonetts and high rise flats in 1950s/60s estates.

Key:

Neighbourhood Plan boundary Residential area Main roads Buildings

Key map 9 - Tooting

Mainly single family terraced Victorian housing, with some newer housing near St. George’s Hospital.

Key:

Neighbourhood Plan boundary Residential area Main roads Buildings

Key map 10 - Gravney

A mixture of semi-detached, terraced ‘half-houses’ for couples, larger semi-detached mock Tudor housing towards the periphery, and denser apartment housing towards the high streets.

Key:

Neighbourhood Plan boundary Residential area Main roads Buildings

Key map Dwelling Density 2011 Legend Analysis Map Tooting Bec and Broadway Neighbourhood Area Dwelling Density (dph) Key: 4 - 20

Tooting Bec and Broadway 20 - 50 Neighbourhood Area 50 - 70 Tooting Bec Dwelling Density (dph) 70 - 90 4 - 20 20 - 50 90 - 146 50 - 70 70 - 90 90 - 146

>Information courtesy of Jesse Honey, Bartlett School of Planning, UCL

Tooting Broadway This map allows us to read where the TBBNA has the highest densities of housing. This is not necessarily directly linked to height of the building - as we can see one of the highest areas is in Fishponds near Streatham Cemetery, which is mostly 2 storey Victorian housing. It is likely that this is very dense because of how many

houses are packed into their terraced formation, plus . 9 1 0 2

©

the fact that many have now been converted into 2 t h g i r

e s flats per house. a b a t a d

d n a

t h g i r

Usually one would expect to see higher densities near y p o c

n w

open space (Tooting Common, Lambeth Cemetery), as o r C

a t a d you will be encounter such problems as overlooking y e v r u S or the need to include private amenity space in e c

n N a N n d locations such as this. Further investigation could be r O

s n i

a 0 250 500 t done into the planning of dwelling densities in Tooting n o C that allowed this disproportionate density pattern to 0 0.5 1 Kilometers m emerge. Tooting Bec and Broadway Neighbourhood Area: Dwelling Density 2011 Percentage Population Change 2011 - 2017 Legend Analysis Map Tooting Bec and Broadway Neighbourhood Area Population Change 2011 - 2017 - 52% - -10% Key: -10% - 0%

Tooting Bec and Broadway Tooting Bec 0% - 20% Neighbourhood Area 20% - 61% Population Change 2011 - 2017: -52% - -10% -10% - 0% 0% - 20% 20% - 61%

>Information courtesy of Jesse Honey, Bartlett School of Planning, UCL

Tooting Broadway

This map plots the population change from 2011 to 2017 by area.

It is interesting to note that the areas that have gained . the largest numbers are all near key transport links 9 1 0 2

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t

(Tooting Bec, Broadway and overground), as well as h g i r

e s a in the land surrounding St.George’s hopsital - all areas b a t a d

d n

perhaps with high turnovers of young professionals a

t h g i r y and hopsital workers. It is difficult to read a pattern p o c

n w o into the lowest areas, as they are sometimes far from r C

a t a d

transport links, and sometimes right next door, but y e v r u S

there does seem to be a relationship between this and e c

n N a

n N d r O

retail areas of higher vacancy. Perhaps this indicates a s n i

a 0 250 500 t n correlation between an active high street, and a desire o C to live nearby. The most stable areas are the large m 0 0.5 1 Kilometers swathes of terraced Victorian family housing. Tooting Bec and Broadway Neighbourhood Area: % Population Change 2011 - 2017 Population Density Change Legend 2011-2017 Analysis Map Tooting Bec and Broadway Neighbourhood Area Population Density Change (pph) 2011 - 2017 Key: - 40 - - 20

Tooting Bec and Broadway - 20 - 0 Neighbourhood Area 0 - 20 Tooting Bec Population Density Change (pph) 2011 - 2017 20 - 40 -40 - -20 20 - 0 40 - 80 0 - 20 20 - 40 40 - 80

>Information courtesy of Jesse Honey, Bartlett School of Planning, UCL

Population density data can be used as the nearest currently available proxy for where new dwellings have Tooting Broadway been built. This map shows the change between 2011 and 2017.

It can be read here that there has been relatively little change, save some pockets around Mitcham Road. The conservation areas and large areas of Victorian terraced

family housing, also (inevitably) see little change. Some . 9 1 0 2

©

areas have in fact lost population density, especially in t h g i r

e s the areas around Tooting Common. This is surprising as a b a t a d

d

it is a very desirable area. n a

t h g i r y p o c

n w

Further investigation into the legitimacy of possible o r C

a t a d links between these figures and rising house prices y e v r u S

plus changing demographics could help to clarify e c

n N a N n d these matters. This could become an important piece r O

s n i

a 0 250 500 t of evidence in response to future proposals in the light n o C of Crossrail development, or when allocating sites for 0 0.5 1 Kilometers m social/affordable housing. Tooting Bec and Broadway Neighbourhood Area: Population Density Change 2011 - 2017 4.02 People

Michelline has lived in Tooting for 35 years. She was that any building open to the public should have born with a disability, and has been a wheelchair user access for all, or provide their service in another way. PEOPLE most of her life. She moved to Tooting when she had Michelline was very active in the disability movement, a baby and the housing association found her a larger and feels that this is completely ignored. Having been accessible flat. Michelline told us how lucky she feels to to a few other countries where that is not the case, have found this place to make a home in Tooting with like Canada for example, Michelline believes that it is a garden, and affordable rent. possible to make life easier for disabled people. She thinks that Wandsworth Council shouldn’t give people Since Council-owned housing began to be sold off, licenses who are breaking this law. The Cafe on the Common things have become much more difficult. Private where she airs her grievances, but even getting their landlords are not obliged to build accessible housing, “I wouldn’t say things have really meeting to be held in a venue where she could attend so there is a real deficit. Michelline sees her situation as improved... it amazes me to this day how was her 1st fight, which took a year. She would love a “relic” of social housing’s golden era. Her daughter is few buildings I can get into” there to be less time fighting for basic rights and more also disabled and has had a much harder fight to find The people of Tooting are very helpful, but Michelline time enjoying cultural activities. Michelline loves The somewhere to live. It is very expensive to adapt a home often finds herself waiting outside in the cold tobe Cafe on the Common - warm and friendly, she enjoys Micheline Mason for disabled use, and housing benefit will only cover noticed. She suggests that a good first step would be relaxing there and has even written a poem about it. Local disability activist and author around half of her rent costs. Michelline gets by on her for temporary, removeable ramps to be provided and a She really enjoys the open space of the Common, and State pension plus disability Living Allowance, but life is sticker outside to show that this is available. how she can get there independently. not easy. Previously, she directed a small not-for-profit I find it a struggle to not be organisation promoting inclusive education, and has Accessible, affordable venues and entertainment are Whilst on the one hand people are becoming more isolated...it’s a sign of our times, been a free-lance trainer in Disability Equality, as well almost non-existent in Tooting. Michelline loves folk aware of the issue, on the other hand accessible, not just Tooting as a writer. She has also written a book of poems, some music, but the only club in Tooting is upstairs above affordable venues are becoming scarcer. Michelline about life in Tooting. a pub. She particularly misses the Sound Lounge, an thinks that the two go hand in hand as people realise accessible, welcoming a vegetarian restaurant and what they are losing. She says that unless she meets Most of the shops and public buildings on the local music venue that was closed down for redevelopment people in person, they see the disabled as “some “ high street are not open to Michelline, she estimates into a hotel. There is no cinema she can can get into. random group of people that they ought to be thinking that she could only access around a quarter. This is in Michelline is a member of the Labour party, and this is about”, rather than as human beings. spite of the disability discrimination act, which states Idene, originally from Barbados in the Caribbean, friend’s children back home in Barbados. Now however, moved to England to train as a nurse where she has she sees that her god-daughter has been supported PEOPLE lived, worked and brought up her three children and encouraged to excel in her studies beyond her age. ever since. She tried different neighbourhoods in Wandsworth until she and her husband started looking Faith is also important to Idene. She was brought up as for a property. They bought their first property in a Christian and is a part of the Church of England. On Tooting where she is still living today, attracted back by arriving in England she looked for a church to continue the space the house had to offer. her faith and participation here. At first, she did not find a church she felt she could be a part of, and stopped Retired for the past 20 years, Idene has seen a lot of going as she felt unwelcome. Yet, in 2001 she was St Augustine’s Church

change in the area and how she can enjoy it. From invited by a friend to a carol service at St Augustine’s take up a lot of her time but she enjoys her involvement diversity shifts, to retail dynamics, Tooting is always Church and since then she has been happily going as it makes her feel useful in the community and gives evolving. For example, she recalls how, when she was there once or twice a week. her a great deal of satisfaction She is also very grateful younger, she could run around and do her shopping for faith community groups and the college art courses, in different places at ease. Now, however, it takes Idene has an active role in participating in church life. Idene Waithe which have a discounts for retirees. This all allows her more of a toll due to her reduced mobility and energy. She is one of the Parish safeguarding Officers and the to interact with more residents whilst doing something Local resident and retired nurse/school teacher Shopping has become more difficult, Idene knows from Parochial Church Council’s Secretary. She is on the she loves. her friends that they too find it more convenient to use organising committee for the Summer Funday which

the bigger supermarkets as you can find everything in is organised and run by The Balham and Tooting Her family is close by and she is still able to get around Tooting is a great place to live, one place. Community Association, Gatton School, St Augustine’s and keep appointments without support. Unfortunately, it is multicultural and has a Church and the Al-Risalah Education Trust. She tells Idene feels that people tend to keep to themselves, and great range of ages including She retrained as a teacher in her forties and takes an us that it is a major community celebration that is in this all plays apart in Tooting’s streetscape friendliness youngsters which makes the area interest in how children’s schooling has changed and its tenth year. At the Fun Day there are rides, food, feel safe day and night. and tidiness, which she sees worsened in recent years. improved in the area, with the introduction of the set voluntary sector stalls, clowns, face painting and much A greater sense of pride and openness when people syllabuses and standards for teachers to follow. When more. The main reason (apart from putting on a great are spending time in the town centre Idene thinks “ her children were studying there was not as much local day out for the community) is to raise donations would help make a change and improve daily life for structure and Idene felt that they were very much for St. George’s Hospital. Idene helps Revd. Davey young and elderly alike. behind in education compared to her relative’s and organise the street closure. These voluntary activities Tenure and Composition 4.03 Statistics Tenure

TBBNA Wandsworth London Key: 1 40 Sites currently allocated for

TBBNA 35 redevelopment in Tooting (mainly Wandsworth mixed use up to 5 storeys): 30 London 25 1. Tenure type -180-218 Upper Tooting Road 2. Household composition 20 -Market’s Area, Tooting

15 -181-207 Tooting High Street * Statistics for the TBBNA data has been calculated from collating Percentage together Tooting, Graveney, 1/2Bedford and 1/5Nightingale 2011 -79-101 Tooting High Street and Wood 10 census ward data House/Palladino House, Laurel Close 5 -St. George’s Hospital Car Park

0 -111-113 Tooting High Street (live) Owned mortgage/loan Social rented–Council Private rented-Landlord Living rent free Owned outright Shared ownership Social rented-Other Private rented-Other The TBBNA has a disproportionately high percentage -Wandsworth Local Plan Core Strategy, Ownership of private rented housing compared to Wandsworth March 2016 or London figures. Coupled with the incredibly low percentage of social-rented accommodation available, and rocketing house prices, and it is obvious Household Composition that the area is becoming impossible for poorer 2 citizens to live in. The percentage of people actually 30 owning their home in the TBBNA is also lower than 25 in the rest of Wandsworth and London. Linked to 20 this, the percentage of households composed of TBBNA “other” (typically include non-related adults sharing 15 Wandsworth accommodation) is significantly higher than other London

Percentage 10 types of family compositions.

5 This explains one of the very negative reasons 0 for TBBNA’s changing demographics as young 1 per : other Married : no dep. Cohabiting : no dep. Lone parent : dep. Other : dep. Other : aged 65+ 1 per : aged 65+ 1 family : aged 65+ Married : dep. Cohabiting : dep. Lone parent : no dep. Other : students Other : other professionals earning city salaries replace local families Household : people type on lower wages. The lack of space to develop in Tooting also contributes to this, as the TBBNA becomes a low priority for site allocations by the Council based on space rather than local need (See page 42, Wandsworth’s Tall Buildings Study 2011). 5. CIRCULATION 5.01 Character

The whole of the TBBNA Whilst vehicular traffic is very present in Tooting, and is in arm’s reach of Central has come up in consultation conversations many times, traffic control comes under the remit of Highways London, but also suffers from rather than planning, and so cannot be influenced by a conjestion and casualties. Neighbourhood Plan. Therefore, vehicular traffic is only examined in this study in relation to pedestrian and The TBBNF area is well connected to central London cyclist experience of circulation in Tooting. with two Northern line underground stations: Tooting Bec and Tooting Broadway. It is also served by National The types of cycle routes currently available in Tooting Rail at Tooting railway station, providing a direct link to (official and unofficial) overlap with some of the worst Sutton via Wimboledon, and North to Farringdon, St. congested roads and popular local ‘rat runs’. There is Pancras (with Eurostar connections) and on to Luton a direct correlation between the amount of vehicular (with airport connections). It has several bus links, with congestion and the cyclist’s experience on the road. routes to and from central London, and 4 night-bus Pedestrian routes are also constantly interrupted by routes. traffic as the “ladder” formation of Upper Tooting Road creates many opportunities for intersection, and does Tooting Broadway tube station is currently being not prioritse the pedestrian. Disabled access is limited, considered by TfL as a stop on the future Crossrail yet various large scale buildings have made efforts to 2 development. In addition to relieving congestion include ramped access. on the Northern Line, this would provide Tooting with a rapid and direct connection to major London Overall, the town centre arteries are over-capacity for stations such as Clapham Junction, Victoria, Tottenham traffic, and the historic buildings are not disbled access- ^ The Wheatsheaf [Tooting Bec Road, Upper Tooting Road Junction] - March 2016 Court Road and Euston. This factor has contributed friendly, forcing everyone to find alternative routes, to Tooting’s rising popularity as a place to settle for make ad-hoc ramps or remain unaccessible. These commuters. However, it also brings the town centre roads and ground floord are not built to handle this under threat as the new station would require the level of movement and future plans need to address demolition of a significant central space on the high this. street. Designated Circulation Routes Area Map

Key:

Tube stops Train station Bus stops “Advisory” cycle routes Traffic-free cycle/pedestrian designated routes Signed cycle routes 100 m Designated cycle parking

This map identifies the transport networks available and types of cycle routes (and parking) officialy designated in Tooting, overlaid with an indication of walking distances from the main stations. The designated traffic-free routes (Tooting Common and the Wandle Trail) are outside of the TBBNF area boundary, but are included because of their proximity to the study area. Pedestrian routes, can be a little more diverse, but generally follow the popular vehicle and bicycle routes as they lead to the main retail hubs and transport links.

The map reveals that whilst Tooting enjoys a great variety of transport options, the main arteries are over-congested, sending cyclists to less direct routes. These roads are not necessarily built to handle the level of traffic they are currently receiving, and have no marked cycle route. This can result in accidents as cyclists squeeze between cars, or if crossings are not N well-designed. Where cyclists and vehicles differ, is the N North of the local popular route from Tooting Common to Franciscan Road as bicycles enjoy the car-free route through the Common. 0 0.5 1 Kilometers Undesignated Circulation Routes Area Map

Key:

Popular local cycle routes Most congested roads (vehicle/pedestrian) Tooting Bec Popular “rat-runs” 100m

This map identifies the unofficial popular routes in Tooting, by way of comparison. The popular local cycle routes were discovered through consultation with local Tooting Broadway resident cyclists, as are the vehicle rat runs. As there is a direct correlation between the amount of vehicular congestion and the cyclist’s experience on the road, we thought it useful to compare this information. Pedestrian routes, can be a little more diverse, but generally follow the popular vehicle and bicycle routes as they lead to the main retail hubs and transport links.

The map reveals that the main arteries are over- congested, pushing drivers and cyclists to find alternative parallel routes or ‘rat runs’. These roads are not necessarily built to handle this level of traffic, and certainly has no marked cycle route. It suggests that pedestrians may be in danger, or at the least frustrated by, the many cars trying to turn off side roads back N onto the main arteries after their short cuts. It also shows that the ‘advisory’ cycle routes do not reflect the desired most popular routes. 0 0.5 1 Kilometers Accessibility/Transport Examples

Key:

Hubs 1. Tooting Bec Station 2. Tooting Train Station 3. Upper Tooting Road Bus Station

Peak travel times 4. Longmead Road bus stop turning circle 5. Franciscan Road rat - runs 1 2 3 6. Tooting High St/Garratt Lane cossing

Disabled Access 7. Tooting High Street ad-hoc shop front ramp 8. Tooting Islamic Centre ramped access 9. Tooting Leisure Centre ramp

These images show examples of the TBBNA as an urban realm to navigate through. On the one hand, there 4 5 6 is a great deal of public transport options available, through 2 underground stations, 1 overground, and several bus routes. On the other hand, the town centre is still very vehicle dominated, and the cyclist and pedestrian will find themselves in 2nd place. This study would benefit from futher investigation into where this traffic is coming from (i.e. is it outside traffic using passing through, or do locals own the cars?), and the effect of changing the types of crossings (such as 7 8 9 rasied tables to help pedestrains to have priority as they traverse Tooting’s “ladder” like high streets). We have also shown examples of accessible ground floors, but many businesses/facilities are yet to introduce accessible entrances. This can be difficult when working with existing buildings, but temporary ramps would be a good first step. Cognitive Mapping Consultation Event - December 2018

Morning

Morning

Retail Out of the house. Where is Morning Morning Morning your first purchase of the day?Morning Morning MorningMorning Morning Hungover...which cafe Open Spaces Day serves up an all included Got to keep fit! Morning jog English breakfast/brunch? Morning around which spaces?Morning En route to work or school. In the summer you’ll see Where do you stop to get a Morningyoga classes where? Retail Open Spacescaffeine fix? Day Housing Housing If you could live anywhere Out of the house. Where is Chatter can be heard Faith Morning Got to keep fit! Morning jog in Tooting, where wouldTraffic it your first purchase of the Morning If you could live anywherefrom which squares/ Streetscape around which spaces? What to do with the kids... be? Streetscape in Tooting, where wouldcourtyards? it Which secret cut day? Retail special sermons for Wow! Architectural must Lost a button, lost a heel, be? throughsWow! avoid Architectural rush hour must Morning In the summernot you’ll my day! see Most helpful children? TrafficIt’s your Grandma’s sees? sees? Hungover...which cafe Day birthday! Where do congestion?you yoga classesrepair where? shops? What to do withFaith the kids... serves up an all included It’s your Grandma’s visit her? Morning Day Young Whichcouples secret need cutsome There’s always a specialqueue sermons There’sfor always a queue MorningEnglish breakfast/brunch? DayPlanning dinner, cheapest birthday! WhereFaith do you Noisiest, most polluted part Night Chatter can be heard DayOpen Spaces guidancethroughs – where avoid do you rush hour out the door forchildren? this place!e out the door for this place! vegetables and freshest visit her? Daycongestion?Home is where the heart of Tooting? Day from which squares/ First date! Romantic spot go? is... what does your front DayWhere can you get th Where can you get the En route to work or school. meat come from where? What to do with the kids... Young couples need some Day courtyards? Housing for a picnic break? door look like? Day freshest baked bread? freshest baked bread? Where do you stop to get a Home is wherespecial the sermons heart for Noisiest, most polluted part Your kids like to scooterguidance to – where do you Traffic Hurrah it’s midday! New to the area – any Day Which secret cut caffeine fix? is... what doeschildren? your front of Tooting? school, which routego? is the Where to go forIf you that could tasty live anywhere The kids have had too d some events for making friends? You need some You need some throughs avoid rush hour in Tooting, where would it doormany look sweets! like? Tire them out safest? congestion? Open Spaces lunchbox meal deal? Night Young couples nee Newperspective...highest to the area – any view perspective...highest view at which playgrounds? Day HousingYour kids like to scooter to be? The students hang out here events point?for making friends? point? RetailGot to keep fit! Morning jog guidance – where do you school, which route is the Noisiest, most polluted part Streetscape Retail around which spaces? Open Spaces Let of some steam! Localgo? Day of Tooting? Lost a button, lost a heel, It’s your Grandma’s Housing Trying to sell yoursafest? home? Wow! Architectural must swimming,Day sauna, or spa? Faith Go on tell RetailusFirst your date! secret Romantic birthday! spot Where do you What area is most Traffic sees? Out of the house. Where is not my day! Most helpful The students hang Newout here to the area – any StreetscapeStreetscapeYour kids like to scooter to In the summerlate you’ll night seetakeaway? for a picnic break?visit her? affordable?Practice a new skill. At your first purchase of the repair shops? t Nightevents for making friends? Well designed cycle routesRainy afternoon. MuseumRainy afternoon.school, which Museum route is the yoga classes where? Day which workshop groups? Faith There’s always a queue day? What a day! Which is the Trying to sell your home? Trafficto Practicetake in thea new sites skill. of At exhibitions/tours? exhibitions/tours?safest? The kids have had tooHome is where the hear What nicknames do parts out the door for this place! Planning dinner, cheapestmost popular after work What area is most Tooting?which workshop groups? Day Chatter can be heardmany sweets! Tire themis... outwhat does your front of TootingGot have? a spare hour – any Where can you get the Hungover...which cafe vegetables and freshestdrinking holes? Open Spacesaffordable? Well designed cycle routes This place holdsThis a fond place holds a fond freshest baked bread? Daynch?Nightfrom which squares/at which playgrounds? Faitharts clubs on? Got a spare hour – any serves up an all includedmeat come from where? Night doorYou look are like? volunteering at a to take in the sitesYou of want to practice your memory for you. courtyards? Night arts clubs on? memory for you. English breakfast/bru Going to meet up with soup kitchen. Where are Nights? NightTooting? skateboarding – where is Night You need some What nicknames do partsPractice a new skill. At Night Traffic friends. Best open mic nightLet of some steam! Localyou likely to find homeless Your children’s maths Well designedNight cycle routes perspective...highest view Hurrah t it’sa midday! Housingof Tooting have? Your children’sthe best maths spot? Oldest independentOldest independent En route to work or school. or pub quiz? swimming, sauna, orpeople? spa? which workshophomework group is getting You want to practice your to take in the sites of point? Where to go for that tasty homework is getting Night business? business? Where do you stop to ge more complicated! Tuition skateboarding – where is Tooting? ere lunchbox meal deal? The students hang out here You have a baby on the way more complicated!Picking Tuition up the kids from caffeine fix? Best curry? You don’t have a garden – e? HousingGot a sparesupport? hour – any the best spot? Open Spaces – do you move or improve? support? school – where is the lolly A lively market is held h where is best for a BBQ? arts clubs on? Night Night You want toA practicelively market your is held here Streetscape Trying to sell your hom Are there any permitted pop lady/man? skateboarding– your –favourite your– where favourite stall? is stall? First date! Romantic spot Picking up the kids from Rainy afternoon. Museum Retail Balmy summer evenings...What area is most development rights? the best spot? Retail for a picnicOpen break? Spaces Your children’s maths school – where is the lolly exhibitions/tours? Go on tell us your secret where do you go for someaffordable? HousingNight homework is getting Big party last night! Where Faith pop lady/man? Lost a button,late lostnight a takeaway?heel, You areentertainment? volunteeringem out at a You have a baby on the way Traffic Picking up the kidsStreetscape from This place holds a fond The kids have had too can you drop off excess more complicated! TuitionYou need a quietFaith space. Streetscape not my day! Most helpful What –nicknames do you move do parts or improve? You need a quiet space. school – where is the lolly memory for you. many sweets!soup kitchen. Tire th Where are recycling? support? Reflective places of workship?Saturday night in Tooting – Music and dancing spills repair shops? Night of Tooting have? pop lady/man? Music Nightand dancing spills What a day! Which is the at whichyou playgrounds? likely to find homeless Are there any permitted Reflective places of workship? Traffic out onto the street from..? best spot to pick up a cab? Oldest independent most popular after work people? developmentYou are rights? walking home at night. Special times of year – out onto the street from..? Planning dinner, cheapest business? drinking holes? ? Houses that could do with Special timeswhere of doyear you – go for festival Saturday night in Tooting – vegetables and freshestNight Let of some steam! Local Faith Typcial! Road closures! Local talent can be found at You don’t have a garden – Bigsome party Tender last night!Loving WhereCare? where docelebrations? you go for festival best spot to pick up aTraffic cab? Local talent can be found at meat come from where swimming, sauna, or spa? ...parking nightmares?Saturday night in Tooting – which busking spots?A lively market is held here Going to meet up with where is best for a BBQ? can you drop off excess celebrations? kship? which busking spots? You need a quiet space. best spot to pick up a cab? – your favourite stall? friends. Best open mic night recycling? Playing a role in your Typcial! Road closures! Hurrah it’s midday! Housing Reflectivecommunity? places Local leadershipof wor Don’t leave valuables in It’s dark out, where could or pub quiz? Balmy summer evenings... Playing a role in your ...parking nightmares? It’s dark out, where could Where to go for that tasty You have a baby on the way meetings are held where? your carTypcial! here! Road closures! do with some more public You are walking home at night.d community? Local leadership ...parking nightmares? do with some more public lunchbox meal deal? where do you go for some – do you move or improve? Special times of year – lighting?Streetscape Houses that could do with meetings are held where? Don’t leave valuables in lighting? ^ MappingBest curry? exerciseentertainment?Open Spaces materialsAre there any permitte where- do youcue go for festival cards and Musica and dancingquarter spills to fill e some Tender Loving Care? Don’t leaveyour valuables car here! in development rights? celebrations? out onto the street from..? t You are volunteering at a re your car here! Retail soup kitchen. Where ar Local talent can be found at Go on tell us your secre you likely to find homeless Big party last night! Whe Playing a role in your which busking spots? late night takeaway? people? can you drop off excess community? Local leadership recycling? t. meetings are held where? It’s dark out, where could What a day! Which is the You don’t have a garden – do with some more public most popular after work where is best for a BBQ? You are walking home at nigh .. are? lighting? drinking holes? Houses that could do with Balmy summer evenings. some Tender Loving C Going to meet up with where do you go for some friends. Best open mic night entertainment? or pub quiz? Jan KatteinBest curry? Architects ran a consultation event in December 2018 in Tooting’s Mushkil Asaan Community Venue. The event was open to all, accessible, and publicised in advance.

The aim of the event was to find out more about “a day in the life of a Tootingite”. The consultation exercise borrowed ideas from psychogeography to create “cognitive” maps. Participants were divided into 4 groups, and given quarter of Tooting each to focus on. Rather than working to scale, the relevant area was left blank, asking participants to fill in the maps with their own personal landmarks, memories and orientation devices. Each group was also given a set of cue cards with prompt questions relating to activities they might be doing at different times of the day. The ^ Photos from the consultation evening execise results brought up many issues, historical events and local favourites that could never have been discovered through conventional research methods, and are only known to real locals. “Moka has all- “All Saints Church - was day breakfast” nearly a cathedral!”

“Best wild flowers!”

“No public toilets”

“Bateman’s yard was a community space sold off for new flats” 5.02 People

Geoff is a graphic designer working for a cancer charity previously achieved plaques for Sadie Crawford - a and has lived in Tooting for 30 years. He seeks to local Jazz musician said to be the first British woman involve the wider Tooting community in local history. to be recorded, and for the 70th anniversary of a V2 So far he has spoken at a Mosque, been presented with bomb, to name a few. Each story “has a life beyond the an award by the Tooting Muslim community, brought plaque” - Crawford’s story initiated a music scholarship an exhibition on the south Asian experience of WW1 in a local school, for instance. to St George’s Hospital, and given a talk during black history month. Geoff got into local history in the last 6 It is crucial to Geoff that these plaques are not put years or so when his flexible working hours allowed him up quietly, but become a real community event. He to join groups such as The Tooting History Group and parades each plaque around Tooting, letting people The Streatham Society. pose for photos with it, and building up the excitement to engage locals in their history. For the installation This passion has made Geoff a bit of a local expert. He of the V2 bomb plaque, 300 people turned up to the Some of Geoff’s favourite walking tour areas also runs walking tours of many different themes, from event. Sadiq Khan gave a speech, local school children ghost walks to multi-faith tours, “Blooming Tooting” to recited poetry, and 12 elderly locals who actually subscription”. Geoff sometimes writes about his Geoff Simmons war stories. He is currently working on content for a remember the bombing attended. discoveries for Tooting Daily Press, but recognises that Local Historian and Graphic Designer new tour, “The Gypsies of Garratt Lane”, to tell the tales this only gets through to a small demographic. He of these historically persecuted people. “I’m interested in reaching people who enjoys the social side of the walking tours, especially might usually that think local history how they can bring people out of their houses and isn’t for them”. There is an appetite for local Much of Geoff’s time is spent petitioning for green or create a real event on the street. history and enough interesting blue plaques to be put up in Tooting, commemorating Wandsworth Council have been very supportive of his stories...it just needs someone to people or events of note. This knowledge is gathered Geoff would like to see Tooting “annotated” with more work so far; they have even given Geoff an award for bring it all together mostly from Geoff’s face-to-face contact through information boards to tell the stories of local landmarks, his efforts. However, there are many hoops to jump local history groups, which include many people for example the elaborate Grade II listed Victorian through if the Council fund the plaques, so Geoff who haven’t written down their knowledge and are lampost outside Tooting Broadway station, which is prefers to sponsor them through public donations. “ perhaps the generation before the internet. Geoff is currently unmarked. These boards could be visually He also feels that this creates a sense of local pride now onto his 6th plaque - for Peter Barr, a man from connected to form a walking trail and help people to and ownership, each one inscribed: “paid by public Garratt Lane who popularised the daffodil. He has understand more about their town. Travel Methods and Car 5.03 Statistics Ownership Going to Work - Mode of Transportation

TBBNA wandsworth mode of transport London

1 50 Key: 45

TBBNA 40

Wandsworth 35 London 30 1. Method of travel to work 25 2. Car/van availability per household 20 3. Road traffic casualties by transportation type Percentage 15 * Statistics for the TBBNA data has been calculated from collating together Tooting, Graveney, 1/2Bedford and 1/5Nightingale 2011 10 census ward data

5

0 Underground Bus/Coach Motorcycle/Moped Car/Van – rider On foot In 2011, over 40% of the TBBNA’s usual residents aged Work at home Train Taxi Car/Van – driver Bicycle Other methods 16 to 74 in employment travelled to work by public Mode of Transport transport, compared to 28% in Wandsworth and 22.5% No. cars per household in London. The amount of people in TBBNA who walk 3 to work is slightly higher than the average. People who 2 60 do not own a car far outweigh those who do. However, those who cycle to work are below average compare to 50 the rest of Wandsworth.

This adds up with the changing demographics 40 previously discussed, showing that the majority of ^ITBBNAnformation courtesy of TFL people live in Tooting and commute to work on the 30 wandsworth cars busy Northern line. It also shows that perhaps the Percentage conjestion in Tooting is largely due to vehicles passing 20 through, rather than locals. There is very likely a correlation between the lack of people cycling to work, and the dangeriously high statistics for cycle casualties 10 in the table opposite. This and the amount of people who do not own a car make a good argument for the 0 No cars/vans 1 car/van 2 cars/vans 3+ cars/vans urgent need to improve the road environment for No. Cars cyclists and pedestrians alike. City Planner Map

City Planner Map

Air Quality

Key:

© Crown copyright and database rights 2019 Ordnance Survey 100035971 Tooting Bec and Broadway Annual mean NO2 should Legend not exceed (ug/m3): N02 Levels Neighbourhood Area Tooting High Street Mean (2013) ± NO2 Levels (Mean 2013) 30.1 - 35.0 2017 annual mean 35.1 - 40.0 30.1 - 35.0 0 400.325 0.65 Km NO2: 40.1 - 45.0 35.1 - 40.0 PRINTED BY: > 45 City Planner 40.1 - 45.0 DATE: 12/06/2019 55 >45

>Information courtesy of TFL City Planner, accessed 12/06/2019.

Sourced from local authority annual Air Quality Status Reports submitted

to government (https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=

1nxsB438uIxBcXx0m8FpfT-3ULszPc6Ka&ll=51.43009837588667%2C-

0.1616476097465238&z=14)

This mapping illustratesair quality levels in the TBBNA. As you might expect, around open spaces, the air quality dramatically improves. The worst affected area is the Tooting Broadway crossroad, where there is often Mitcham Road 2017 conjestion and accidents. The annual mean for this annual mean NO2: area is far above the governmental target 40 ug/m3, meaning that locals and visitors are inhaling unhealthy 66 amounts of poor quality air. This can have serious health N implications, as well as making for an unpleasant urban environment, polluting the O Zone layer, and making it

difficult to grow trees to help combat the effects. 0 0.5

© Crown copyright and database rights 2019 Ordnance Survey 100035971 Legend

N02 Levels Mean (2013) ± 30.1 - 35.0

35.1 - 40.0 0 0.325 0.65 Km 40.1 - 45.0 PRINTED BY: > 45 City Planner DATE: 12/06/2019 City Planner Map

Casualties Analysis Map ACCSTATS

ACCSTATS

Key:

© Crown copyright and database rights 2019 Ordnance Survey 100035971 Legend Legend Tooting Bec and Broadway N02 Levels Neighbourhood Area Mean (2013) ACCSTATS - ± Collision 30.1 - 35.0 CollisonLocation sLocations 35.1 - 40.0 0 0.325 0.65 Km FFatalatal Legend 40.1 - 45.0 PRINTED BY: ACCSTATS - > 45 SSeriouserious City Planner Collision DATE: Locations SSlightlight 12/06/2019 Fatal >Information courtesy of TFL ACCSTATS, accessed 12/06/2019 Serious

Slight

± 0 0.2 0.4 km

PRINTED BY:

Surface Playbook Admin

DATE: The TBBNA casualties map confirms previous ± 12/06/2019 0 0.2 0.4 km © Crown copyright and database rights 2019 Ordnance Survey 100035971 conjecture that the most dangerous area is the Tooting Broadway junction - the only place that has had fatal PRINTED BY: Surface Playbook Admin casualties. There are also accidents all along the main N arteries and at most junctions near busy retail hubs or DATE: transport links. This evidences the need to carefully 12/06/2019 address traffic calming measures. © Crown copyright and database rights 2019 Ordnance Survey 100035971 0 0.5 Kilometers 6. COMMUNITY 6.01 Character

Tooting has a strong sense open to all. In our consultations, venues such as the of community, but its’ Sound Lounge, now closed down, were lamented for population is changing their welcoming environment and live music. fast. Places of worship, Diverse faiths and cultures are a defining feature of educational institutions, Tooting, and one that residents from all backgrounds cultural and leisure facilities cherish. Faiths embody culture, identity and history all help to support the quality as much as religious belief, and are powerful shapers of life here. of the outlook and social patterns of those in the groups concerned. The TBBNA is very well served in terms of faith spaces, primary schools, nurseries, and The TBBNA lies in Wandsworth borough, which has emergency services (with the large St.George’s hospital the UK’s lowest council tax rate. At the same time, the A&E within the area boundary). However, there is a crime rate in Tooting was 6.22 crimes per 1,000 people lack of secondary schools, non-faith communty spaces, in September, compared to 5.22 in Balham (and 9.49 sports and leisure facilities, and crucially, entertainment. in Clapham Common). So whilst communities remain Tooting was once renowned for its’ entertainment strong, Tooting is not without its’ social problems, and choice, but as developers go for less risky ventures, this these are perhaps exacerabated by lack of funding for ^ Community fundraising event at Tooting Islamic Centre has sadly all but died out, save the Bingo Hall and some police and other public services. new festivals.

Tooting’s past reputation for crime is fast dissolving, but Tooting was once home to nine cinemas. Some were is being replaced by signs of gentrification, which is a lost to war damage or development, but many survive threat to the sense of community in a different way. The in new guises. Part of the Electric Palace, which opened shifting demographics towards young professionals as in 1909, continues as a Gujarati community hall. The they are priced out of more central areas, can make Mayfair Cinema dates from 1932 and housed nine it difficult to engage new members of the community dressing rooms, a cafe and a dance hall. It is now home in public life. In addition, lack of affordable, accessible to a Muslim cultural centre, a school and a pub (called venues make it tricky to organise events that are truly the Mayfair). Community Facilities Muskil Aasaan Derington Road Area Map Accessible ground floor available for free or low value Community Centre rent. Used for elderly people’s coffe drop ins, Labour Hall available for hire (weddings/ Party meetings and many other community events. parties/conferences) at competitive market rates. Key:

Places of Worship Cultural/Community Leisure Educational Emergency Services

This map shows te many and varied community facilites available in the TBBNA. This includes places of worship (churches, mosques, temples and religious centres), 7th Southside cultural venues (community centres and clubs), Scout Group leisure facilities (libraries, youth centres and bingo), Accessible Scout hall for educational facilities (schools, nurseries and colleges), Tooting Library children’s activities. and emergency services (hospitals and emergency Accessible library (all floors) with free clinics). wifi and many activities such as chess club, toddler’s ballet classes, and English Language classes. A few examples have also been annotated showing the types of activities/provisions available in each space. N These are some of the few with accessible ground floors. A lack of affordable and accessible meeting space was also affirmed in our consultations. 0 0.5 1 Kilometers 1 - Places of Worship examples

Key:

1. St Nicholas Church of England 2. Tooting Methodish Chuch 3. Saint Boniface Catholic Church 4. Arulmigu Valvai Sri Muthumaariamman Hindu Temple 5. Khalsa Centre Gurdwara 6. Tooting Islamic Centre

1 2 3

Diverse faiths and cultures are a defining feature of Tooting, and one that residents from all backgrounds cherish. Within each faith there is a wide variety of levels of observance. Faith bodies thrive, but are over 4 reliant on a few volunteers and struggle to retain younger people.

Census data from 2011 indicates 40% Christian, 20% Muslim and 8% Hindu. The other significant group is those who identify with no faith or belief 23% (figures averaged between Tooting and Graveney wards). This is consistent with the general move towards a secularised society. 5 6 Relations between faiths are good, and there Is strong mutual respect and networking. The contribution of faith bodies to social cohesion and resilience is well recognised, including by Wandworth Council, though unlike in neighbouring boroughs, there is no Council supported interfaith forum or activity. 2 - Cultural/Educational/ Leisure examples

Key:

Cultural/Leisure 1. Buzz Bingo, or the former Granada Cinema Building 2. Tooting Leisure Centre 3. Suma Community Centre

Educational 4. Tooting and Balham Sea Cadets

5. Tooting Primary School 1 2 3 6. Al Risalah School

Tooting has nine maintained primary schools, but only one secondary school. Primary schools include Church of England, Roman Catholic and Muslim faith schools. Almost all the educational provision is rate good or better by OFSTED, with many outstanding schools. There are a growing number of independent schools and nurseries in Tooting, including faith schools. South Thames College has a campus at Tooting Broadway 4 and provides further and adult education. Tooting has a growing population of children. Many schools have a large minority whose first language is not English. The percentage of children in receipt of free school meals and with special educational needs are both above the national average. Funding has been allocated by Wandsworth Council to increase the supply of school places over the next four years.

Tooting’s entertainment legacy was once prolific, with 5 6 dancing at the RACS building, many famous music concerts at the Granada theatre, and numerous cinemas. A few of these iconic buildings survive in different guises, but commercial entertainment has a low profile in Tooting these days and residents regularly mention the lack of a cinema. 6.02 People

Naseem is the founder and manager of Mushkil Aasaan, a local of ethnic minorities. The charity was based in her house for ten space is currently mostly given out for free, but Naseem fears charity located on Upper Tooting Road. Meaning “making the years, until it outgrew its premises. It was important to Naseem they may have to charge in the future to sustain Mushkil difficult easier”, Mushkil Aasaan is a local charity that has for 25 and her team that they should move to the high street, making Aasaan. years provided a specialist home care service. It was initially set it visible to all. Within two and a half years, they managed up for the unmet needs of Tooting’s diverse and multicultural to pay off their entire loan because the need for this kind of They now have a new site in Tooting they are working on, community, and has over time cared for 6,500 families across service was so great. a listed building that will be converted into twenty-four Wandsworth and created employment opportunities for over a supported housing units, with a garden, a centre for children 1000 individuals over time. As a result of their new location, the charity broadened its reach and a cafe. At the moment they have started work on a from a small group of young, Asian mothers to a much wider community garden. Naseem feels that the garden has really Originally from Malawi, Naseem married into a family from audience. Mushkil Aasaan now offers a range of services to unified Mushkil Aasaan with the other organisations they Mozambique 46 years ago. Fleeing the country’s political people of all backgrounds, including: home care, advocacy, work with - Tooting Transition, Tooting Neighbourhood, the turmoil, she immigrated to the UK with her husband and 1 year counselling, crisis intervention and advice on welfare rights Wandsworth Community Empowerment Network and many old son, settling in Tooting town centre. Aged just 19, Naseem and training and support for employment. They also have a more. found herself a new mother in a foreign country, adjusting to ground floor flexible space that is in constant use by children’s culture shock and coming to terms with the knowledge that her classes, women’s health and wellbeing support groups, older Naseem is proud of Mushkil Aasaan’s achievements, especially Naseem Aboobaker son has a disability. men’s groups, festivals and events to name a few, and as a how they do not only serve their own close knit community - Mushkil Aasaan Founder and Manager Community Hub for many organisations. Naseem notices how their strength is also their diversity. She hopes that their work “I’d have no contact with the outside at the beginning, 80% of Mushkil Aasaan’s work was domestic can continue and be open to all. world... as time went on things began to violence cases, and this problem seems to have improved in change, Tooting was springing up with the Tooting area. Everybody cherishes this building more community. But even 20 years on, there was still this deep sense of isolation”. However, Mushkil Aasaan was recently under threat. It runs as PEOPLE A fluent English speaker, Naseem was aware that if she felt a nonprofit Charitable business, earning income through home this way, then there must be others with no English who are care service contracts with the council. Despite the relief that struggling even more. This is how Mushkil Aasaan started. the charity provides, they get no government or NHS help at “ Naseem began running a children’s group in her front room all. Wandsworth Council will no longer renew their home care to provide a better support network for young mothers, and contract with Mushkil Aasaan, which will have a huge impact on started to be consulted by Wandsworth Council on the needs the business and services to the Community. The community Mushkil Aasaan Arshad is very well rooted in Tooting’s community. Not event called “Visit My Mosque Day” at the centre. busy car and bus route, Arshad would like to make the only did he go to school in Tooting, all his connections, This is a national open day initiative organised by the space feel more protected and greener. friends and family are in the Wandsworth area and he Muslim Council of Britain and is a great opportunity endeavours to continue expanding his local network. for the wider community to learn about what goes Arshad is also affiliated with many charities alongside on in the mosque. Specifically, they can see the newly his current vice chair roles at Balham Mosque and refurbished building and enjoy the generous hospitality Tooting Islamic Centre. of the community members. All of this encourages open discussions and transparency, working to Arshad has been involved in Tooting’s Islamic eliminate misconceptions within a diverse community. community in some capacity since 1986, and has seen the membership grow and grow. Balham Mosque All of the management, Islamic educational classes, opened in 1969, and by 1993 the board saw the need community services, and evening activities held at the

to expand and purchase Tooting Islamic Centre. They centre are volunteer based. As a result, all of this and Tooting Islamic Centre could then better serve the wider community through the upkeep of the centre are made possible through numerous initiatives in their outreach programme, donations from the community. This has helped Arshad Daud many of which Arshad has been part of. Now there support a recent refurbishment scheme, and the first Vice Chairman of Balham Mosque & Tooting are two vibrant community centres and four affiliate phase of the works has recently been completed. A Islamic Centre schools in and around the Balham and Tooting areas. second phase is required to finish the refurbishment, but it will require raising an additional £450,000. Tooting is a really nice and At Tooting Islamic Centre, it is important to Arshad that diverse place to be... but as of they provide activities that help the younger members Currently, Arshad is focusing on a range of goals, now there is no real plan engage with more physical activities, drawing them from big issues of sustainability, to specific issues with away from their mobile phones, whist at the same respect to parking and safety around the centre. He is time providing elderly members a sense of belonging, concerned with the increased number of people coming purpose and daily social interaction. This message to use the centre that there is not enough space on the “ permeates throughout the centre, aiming to create pavement outside the entrance to accommodate them. and promote an inclusive environment. This includes There are many people crossing or spilling out onto the disabled and non-faith visitors who are invited to an road as a result, and with Upper Tooting Road being a Ethnicity and Faith 6.03 Statistics

Ethnicity

TPPNA wandsworth ethnicity London Key:

1 60

TBBNA 50 Wandsworth London 40 1. Ethnicity 2. Religious belief 30

* Statistics for the TBBNA data has been calculated from collating together Tooting, Graveney, 1/2Bedford and 1/5Nightingale 2011 Percentage census ward data 20

10

0 Irish Other White White & Black African Other Mixed Pakistani Chinese African Other Black Other groups In 2011, just over 50% of the TBBNA’s population was English/Welsh/Scottish/N.Irish/British Gypsy/Irish Traveler White & Black Caribbean White & Asian Indian Bangladeshi Other Asian Caribbean Arab of White ethnicity, compared with 60% in London and Group 70% in the borough. These proportions mean that the percentages of English as a main language in TBBNA Religious Belief households is 73%, compared to 74% in London

60 and 79% borough-wide. Although small in terms of 2 numbers, the proportion of residents of Mixed/multiple ethnic group in the TBBNA show relatively high ranking 50 to the borough, comparable to London averages. Similarly the proportion of Asian/Asian British residents 40 was greater than the borough average, but comparable to London. TPPNA 30 wandsworth religious

Over 40% of the TBBNA’s religious makeup is Christian. Percentage

A further 25% stated that they had no religion, whilst 20 15.5% were Muslim, and 6% were Hindu, both higher than the rest of the borough. 10

This serves to evidence the feeling that Tooting is a 0 Christian Buddhist Hindu Jewish Muslim (Islam) Sikh Other religion No religion Religion not stated welcoming, diverse community, but is slowly becoming Religion more secularised as demographics change. SUMMARY

>Possible future “green corridor” that could be investigated further in Part 2 as part of the “Sites and Design Codes” study

Clapham Common

Tooting already has all the traffic and of low air quality. Attractive, safe spaces for recreation and relaxation should be available to all, ingredients to be a fantastic Wandsworth and would help to alleviate many health problems, as Common place to live and work. With well as providing more civic space. (Wandsworth Open the right investment and Space Study, 2007, paragraph 13.12) joined-up thinking, a NP could protect and enhance The TBBNA’s Retail is booming in the food and drink sectors, but long-established small businesses of other Sir Walter Saint all that makes it so unique. John Sports offers are struggling to keep up. If Tooting wants to Ground Our report has discovered and consolidated various retain its’ sense of individuality, it is vital that the issues caused by economic, residential, and cultural independant retailers of the high street are supported. pressures. Within each sub-theme these issues have Golf Course been analysed and suggestions made for further Tooting has much to offer in terms of architecture, but TBBNP Area Boundary the Housing provision is too much in favour of the invetsigation before the sites and design codes can Springfield private-rented landlord. University be addressed. Much of this is the need for further Hospital and Grounds statistical backing to test the qualitative assertions. Circulation in Tooting is well provided for, but traffic

Tooting’s Streetscape is interesting and varied, with calming is essential to improve the urban environment much worth protecting, yet room must also be made for pedestrians and cyclists, reducing accidents and Streatham Tooting Common Cemetery Fishponds Playing for positive development. A greater public engagement improving air quality in tandem. Fields in planning processes may help to protect the right things, whilst creating an open dialogue. The TBBNA’s Community is as strong as ever, but TBBNP Area this is under threat if affordable venues and changing demographics make community life too difficult. Lambeth Well-being in the TBBNA is generally high, with great Cemetery access to healthcare facilities, but public green space However, the many diverse ethnicities, faiths, ages is lacking. Much the the open space at the moment and industries living and working together should be N Wandle Meadow is Tooting’s streets, which are uniformly dominated by celebrated. Nature Park Jan Kattein Studio North t. 0207 7040604 www.jankattein.com 277 New North Road Architects London, N1 7AA e. [email protected] @jankatteinarch