£100,000 Fund Secured to Support Outdoor Dining and Events this summer on Lower Marsh

WeAreWaterloo BID, in partnership with Lambeth Council, has secured £100,000 from the Mayor of London’s Summer Streets Fund to support a vibrant programme of activity on Lower Marsh this summer, building on the street’s existing success as one of Waterloo’s most popular independent high streets.

The funding will maximise opportunities presented by the Saturday road closure (9am–9pm), enabling local hospitality businesses to expand their outdoor offer through additional tables and chairs and supporting increased al fresco dining and drinking across the street. 

WeAreWaterloo, in partnership with Lambeth Council, has secured £100,000 from the Mayor of London’s Summer Streets Fund to support al fresco dining on Lower Marsh, maximising the opportuntities presented by the Saturday road closure from 9am-9pm. The funding will support local hospitality businesses to expand their outdoor offer, free film screenings will take place on chosen Saturdays, and the street will be enhanced with lighting, bunting and planting

Alongside this, Lower Marsh will be enhanced with simple but effective public realm improvements including festoon lighting, bunting, planting and improved street dressing, helping to create a welcoming and distinctive summer destination.

The programme will also include three free outdoor cultural screenings, taking place on the final Saturday of each month from July to September. These events build on the success of WeAreWaterloo’s “Lower Marsh Lates” series and aim to make high-quality cultural experiences freely accessible in the heart of Waterloo.

WeAreWaterloo’s Chief Executive, Kate Poulter, said:
“Lower Marsh is already a thriving and much-loved destination in Waterloo, and this funding will help our hospitality businesses make even more of the opportunity created by the Saturday road closure. By introducing additional outdoor seating, enhancing the street with lighting, bunting and planting, and bringing free cultural screenings to the area, we will support local businesses, welcome more visitors, and encourage people to stay and enjoy everything Lower Marsh has to offer.”

The Summer Streets programme will run from July to September 2026 and will be evaluated to inform future approaches to outdoor trading and public realm activation on Lower Marsh.

For more information, visit www.wearewaterloo.co.uk or @WeAreWaterlooUK