Latest news with #GeoffBarraclough
Fashion Network
5 days ago
- Business
- Fashion Network
SOOO pop-up to offer women's sports indie brands on Regent St this summer
The store will host more than 200 events across all sports throughout the summer as rugby, golf, tennis, cricket, football, athletics, netball and basketball draw record numbers of participants and audiences to women's sport. It's fully supported by Mastercard, which is providing funding and promotional support to Westminster City Council's 'Meanwhile On' project, which is providing funding and expert retail support. The Crown Estate is providing the premises. It will open at 245 Regent Street on Thursday with consumers able to shop from the indie sports brands that until now have been mostly available online only. They'll also be able to test out equipment on the shop's three-a-side football pitch; and attend one of the store's events including talks, workshops, organised runs and more. Open until the end of October, the brands available will include football-focused AFTA; breast support and sports bra brand Boob Armour; women's golf label Forelson; gym equipment specialist Freyja Fit; activewear brand Yana Active; upcycled sportswear label Sophie Hird Studio; Ida Sports and many more. Youngson said: 'We believe women should have access to the best equipment whether they're lacing up for a run on the pitch, attending a fitness class or representing their country in a competitive fixture. It's fantastic to now have a community hub stocking independent women's sports brands right in the middle of town.' SOOO was selected from over 800 applicants for Westminster City Council's 'Meanwhile On' project, which provides innovative brands with access to high-profile retail spaces. The project was set up 'to create a more inclusive and fair economy' and gives brands significant relief on business rates, budget for store design, and end-to-end support from retail experts. For instance, last autumn, a five storey By Rotation pop-up in Mayfair, claimed to be the largest-ever fashion rental pop-up to launch globally, opened its doors. Back with SOOO, Cllr Geoff Barraclough, Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development, at Westminster City Council, said the programme was launched 'to bring fresh, independent brands into some of the most iconic retail spaces in the world and SOOO is a brilliant example of that vision in project supports the long-term health of West End retail by reactivating vacant units with creative, purpose-driven businesses. It's not just about filling empty shops, it's about creating dynamic, modern experiences that will bring people back to our high streets.' And Laura Thursfield, leasing director – Retail, at The Crown Estate, said: 'Regent Street has long been home to 'firsts' in the retail and fashion world, such as the recently announced and much anticipated opening of SKIMS' first store in Europe, and so it is only fitting that we support Style of Our Own in creating a hub for women's sport. It is a source of great pride that we are welcoming this exciting platform for women's sport to the heart of the West End, while providing a space for small businesses to showcase their products in an iconic shopping destination.'
Fashion Network
5 days ago
- Business
- Fashion Network
SOOO pop-up to offer women's sports indie brands on Regent St this summer
The store will host more than 200 events across all sports throughout the summer as rugby, golf, tennis, cricket, football, athletics, netball and basketball draw record numbers of participants and audiences to women's sport. It's fully supported by Mastercard, which is providing funding and promotional support to Westminster City Council's 'Meanwhile On' project, which is providing funding and expert retail support. The Crown Estate is providing the premises. It will open at 245 Regent Street on Thursday with consumers able to shop from the indie sports brands that until now have been mostly available online only. They'll also be able to test out equipment on the shop's three-a-side football pitch; and attend one of the store's events including talks, workshops, organised runs and more. Open until the end of October, the brands available will include football-focused AFTA; breast support and sports bra brand Boob Armour; women's golf label Forelson; gym equipment specialist Freyja Fit; activewear brand Yana Active; upcycled sportswear label Sophie Hird Studio; Ida Sports and many more. Youngson said: 'We believe women should have access to the best equipment whether they're lacing up for a run on the pitch, attending a fitness class or representing their country in a competitive fixture. It's fantastic to now have a community hub stocking independent women's sports brands right in the middle of town.' SOOO was selected from over 800 applicants for Westminster City Council's 'Meanwhile On' project, which provides innovative brands with access to high-profile retail spaces. The project was set up 'to create a more inclusive and fair economy' and gives brands significant relief on business rates, budget for store design, and end-to-end support from retail experts. For instance, last autumn, a five storey By Rotation pop-up in Mayfair, claimed to be the largest-ever fashion rental pop-up to launch globally, opened its doors. Back with SOOO, Cllr Geoff Barraclough, Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development, at Westminster City Council, said the programme was launched 'to bring fresh, independent brands into some of the most iconic retail spaces in the world and SOOO is a brilliant example of that vision in project supports the long-term health of West End retail by reactivating vacant units with creative, purpose-driven businesses. It's not just about filling empty shops, it's about creating dynamic, modern experiences that will bring people back to our high streets.' And Laura Thursfield, leasing director – Retail, at The Crown Estate, said: 'Regent Street has long been home to 'firsts' in the retail and fashion world, such as the recently announced and much anticipated opening of SKIMS' first store in Europe, and so it is only fitting that we support Style of Our Own in creating a hub for women's sport. It is a source of great pride that we are welcoming this exciting platform for women's sport to the heart of the West End, while providing a space for small businesses to showcase their products in an iconic shopping destination.'
Fashion Network
5 days ago
- Business
- Fashion Network
SOOO pop-up to offer women's sports indie brands on Regent St this summer
The store will host more than 200 events across all sports throughout the summer as rugby, golf, tennis, cricket, football, athletics, netball and basketball draw record numbers of participants and audiences to women's sport. It's fully supported by Mastercard, which is providing funding and promotional support to Westminster City Council's 'Meanwhile On' project, which is providing funding and expert retail support. The Crown Estate is providing the premises. It will open at 245 Regent Street on Thursday with consumers able to shop from the indie sports brands that until now have been mostly available online only. They'll also be able to test out equipment on the shop's three-a-side football pitch; and attend one of the store's events including talks, workshops, organised runs and more. Open until the end of October, the brands available will include football-focused AFTA; breast support and sports bra brand Boob Armour; women's golf label Forelson; gym equipment specialist Freyja Fit; activewear brand Yana Active; upcycled sportswear label Sophie Hird Studio; Ida Sports and many more. Youngson said: 'We believe women should have access to the best equipment whether they're lacing up for a run on the pitch, attending a fitness class or representing their country in a competitive fixture. It's fantastic to now have a community hub stocking independent women's sports brands right in the middle of town.' SOOO was selected from over 800 applicants for Westminster City Council's 'Meanwhile On' project, which provides innovative brands with access to high-profile retail spaces. The project was set up 'to create a more inclusive and fair economy' and gives brands significant relief on business rates, budget for store design, and end-to-end support from retail experts. For instance, last autumn, a five storey By Rotation pop-up in Mayfair, claimed to be the largest-ever fashion rental pop-up to launch globally, opened its doors. Back with SOOO, Cllr Geoff Barraclough, Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development, at Westminster City Council, said the programme was launched 'to bring fresh, independent brands into some of the most iconic retail spaces in the world and SOOO is a brilliant example of that vision in project supports the long-term health of West End retail by reactivating vacant units with creative, purpose-driven businesses. It's not just about filling empty shops, it's about creating dynamic, modern experiences that will bring people back to our high streets.' And Laura Thursfield, leasing director – Retail, at The Crown Estate, said: 'Regent Street has long been home to 'firsts' in the retail and fashion world, such as the recently announced and much anticipated opening of SKIMS' first store in Europe, and so it is only fitting that we support Style of Our Own in creating a hub for women's sport. It is a source of great pride that we are welcoming this exciting platform for women's sport to the heart of the West End, while providing a space for small businesses to showcase their products in an iconic shopping destination.'
BBC News
19-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Restaurant air purifiers piloted in Westminster over pollution
A central London council is installing air purifiers in restaurants as part of a trial to reduce air pollution caused by frying and grilling City Council said the pilot would run for three months and would come at no cost to any businesses which signed up. It aims to track and eventually reduce cooking emissions, which the council said was the third-largest single source of particulate matter (PM2.5) in the borough and come from burning fuels like charcoal, wood and Seemann, head chef at Apricity in Mayfair, said she hoped the trial would shed light on the impact of cooking emissions on her and her staff. The restaurant is one of four trialling the new technology. Other restaurants taking part are in the West End, St John's Wood and Victoria, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said. "Although our style of cooking may not be as polluting as others, it's important to see what areas we could improve in," Ms Seemann said."This data will allow us to see when there's a peak, what caused that peak and what we can do to try and remedy it. I'm glad we are part of finding a solution to reduce air pollution."PM2.5 particles are found in the air and are small enough to travel deep inside the lungs, heart and exposure has been linked to serious health conditions such as heart disease, respiratory illnesses and even cognitive decline. There are 3,600 registered commercial kitchens in Westminster City, according to the Barraclough, cabinet member for planning and economic development, said emissions from commercial cooking were a significant air quality and public health challenge in Westminster. "We want this pilot to raise awareness of air quality issues within the industry, and I hope it encourages other businesses to sign up to participate in the trial," he Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, said the hospitality sector was working to meet its 2040 net zero goal."We will continue to engage with key stakeholders, such as local authorities, on collaborative schemes and initiatives, to ensure that the sector is supported in its efforts to becoming carbon net zero and beyond," she said.
BBC News
14-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Mayfair owner told to restore historic home after banned refurb
The owner of a listed 18th Century townhouse in London's Mayfair has been ordered to destroy an unauthorised basement, and told to restore original features removed during a refurbishment. Westminster City Council said the extensive alterations, which involved altering ceiling heights, were denied planning permission, but completed regardless. The owner of the property, estimated to be worth around £5m, appealed the decision, but was not successful. The owner has been approached for comment. A planning application was submitted by the owner for the works in 2010, but it was refused after the Planning Inspectorate deemed it would harm the building's "special architectural and historic interest".However, in 2020, the council discovered that the owner had ignored the ruling and had excavated the existing basement to create a large sub-basement council said it also discovered that historic features such as panelling and fireplaces had been removed. Westminster City Council said the entire new sub-basement must now be re-filled. The space currently houses a cinema, gym and sauna. The owner must also reroute services such as electrics and plumbing and restore fixtures and fittings to their original listed status. It is thought the cost of the works, which was given a 12-month deadline for completion, will run into hundreds of thousands of pounds. Labour councillor Geoff Barraclough, Westminster City Council's cabinet member for planning and economic development, said: "I hope this outcome sends a clear message: those who ignore planning rules will be held accountable."It is simply not acceptable to carry out works that have been explicitly refused listed building consent."Barraclough said the owner showed a "complete disregard" for the historic significance of the property and the council's added: "We remain committed to safeguarding Westminster's unique architectural heritage."
