Kensington
Stepping out onto Kensington High Street
I have known Kensington High Street since the mid 90s. Ken Di Street back in the day…and I still frequent it due to fear of switching dentists. So, it was interesting to see it through the placemaking lenses of our guides, Ben and Alex, from Opportunity Kensington – a new Business Improvement District (BID) formalized in April 2022, to deliver a programme of services and initiatives that support and improve the area concentrated around Kensington High Street.
The one and only
With Kensington Palace and other mega cultural institutions nearby, the area has always been magnetic — including for royals, music icons, and fashion designers, who, over decades, have been spotted at the eclectic stalls of Kensington Market; within the fashion institution that was Biba; and at the perfumed galleries of Barkers and Derry & Toms department stores. Whilst these shopping havens have been closed for decades, the new Biba-inspired street art of Kensington Court, shows that their legacies live on. According to Opportunity Kensington’s 4-yr business plan, this would be an example of its vision to ‘bring the fun back’. Thank goodness for the revival of Kensington Roof Gardens, too — whilst without its flamingos of yore, is improving footfall as well as fun. In addition, with a large American population, who know how to do Halloween, Opportunity Kensington decorates the high street in ghoulish glitz and puts on spooky extravaganzas. There was even talk of ‘Christmas is saturated — so we’ll own Halloween.’ Take away 1: Lean into what made (or makes) a place unique.
Different parts, different people
There are different parts to the retail experience that is Kensington: the main thoroughfare high street, largely comprised of chain stores and the cobbled backstreets of ‘real’ Kensington village, with a smattering of remaining independent shops and St Mary’s Church watching over them. Near the library, the famers’ market enhances the artisan vibe — if only on Sundays. There is also the parade of high-end antique shops along Kensington Church St. Together, they cater to a mix of residents (many international); local shopkeepers, restaurateurs and office workers; and tourists and day-trippers. This may bring more complexity than I first imagined. Whose place is it? Which part? When do they experience it? For how long? Do they get on? To that end, Opportunity Kensington invests in research that the local businesses value and puts on events such as Connecting Kensington, which was a sell-out at Japan House. There is even a loyalty scheme, ‘Token’, for locals to make the most of experiences on their doorstep. Take Away 2: Know who lives, works and plays at your place, and what motivates them.
In reflecting on this place that I’ve known for so long — it’s stirred up a concern I’ve not had until now. Is it Kensington High Street or High Street Ken? I will leave you with that… Thanks to everyone who made this another great Placemaking Collective UK event!
