Tesco is backing a drive to save an East End market where founder Jack Cohen started out nearly a century ago.
The retailer — which has been blamed for the demise of high streets — says it wants to help Well Street market, Hackney.
Once thriving, Well Street is now blighted by empty shops and parking congestion. But efforts are under way to attract new businesses and improve parking. Tony Fletcher, corporate affairs manager at Tesco, said: “We have a historic association and discussions are ongoing about how we can work with the community.”
Jack Cohen started on a stall in the Twenties. There is now a Tesco Metro in the road.
Jo Price, whose family florists dates from 1834, said: “The plan is to get shops let but we need to get parking resolved.”
Hackney council plans restricted parking on Fridays and Saturday.
While landlord St John Hackney, a 400 year old charity which hopes to let vacant shops and turn the street around, has hired property agent Lamberts to help the cause. Lamberts is working with a number of parties and is offering rent deals and seeking pop-up shops to help the street.
Traders on the street are planning parties at Easter and for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee to increase visitors to the street.
