The Saturday market will start off small with just a handful of stalls from hand picked producers – with a plan to grow if it proves popular.
It will run from 10am to 2pm on the former bus stand which was the terminus of the 271 bus route.
Ever since March 2023, when Transport for London ended the 271 daytime service, local community groups including The Highgate Society have campaigned for a new purpose for the space at the corner of South Grove and the High Street.
They complain it has remained empty and is a wasted opportunity to revitalise the shopping street.
A grant from Camden Council in 2023 funded new planters, and a pop up Christmas market proved popular with Highgate shoppers.
Now, the council working with local groups is hoping the weekly market will be a success.
Highgate Society Chair Andrew Sulston wrote in their latest newsletter: “We aim to bring people to the Village on Saturdays, with food from hand picked producers. Initially we are starting small and hope to grow if it’s popular.
“The Community Projects group was really pleased to be able to refresh, tidy up and restock all of the planters in this important community space. They put some bulbs in as well, and the planters should look great in the spring.”
He added that the society aimed to support events and schemes like the market that bring people to the area, boosting local shops, cafes and restaurants “as they face growing financial pressures, particularly from national insurance, rents and business rates”.
The Christmas light-switch on in Pond Square by Harry Potter star Rupert Grint drew more than 1,000 people last month.
And they are expecting a similar number at the annual Carols in Pond Square at 6.30pm on Wednesday December 10 when the the Highgate and Channing Schools Brass Ensemble and the choirs of Channing School and the HLSI’s Musical Theatre group will lead the singing.
Mulled wine and festive fare will be served at the Highgate Society, at 10A South Grove, and a collection will be taken to benefit the Alexandra Wylie Tower Foundation (AWTF) Food and Bike Bank and The Toy Project.
