Putney can’t seem to catch a break. Just as roadworks finally cleared from the High Street and new traffic light technology went live, fresh disruption has arrived – and it’s not just the traffic that’s struggling.
Dover House Road closed this week for Thames Water works running until 17 November, forcing traffic to reroute through Putney Hill or Roehampton and triggering bus diversions. The closure has pushed congestion onto side streets, along Putney Heath, but more than anything made Upper Richmond a long traffic jam (again).
The new traffic lights at Putney Bridge junctions, upgraded with sensor technology meant to improve flow, have been operating for over a week now. But early results suggest only mild improvement, with side streets and main entry roads still experiencing dreadful congestion.
Meanwhile, the High Street itself faces a more fundamental problem: Starbucks has closed its Putney branch, departing quietly over a week ago.
The closure of a major chain – one with deep pockets and sophisticated site analysis – sends a worrying signal. If Starbucks couldn’t make Putney work, what does that mean for smaller independent businesses?
Local business owners are worried. They’re not getting enough people coming through their doors and the High Street remains depressingly sub-par. High business rates, expensive rents, and an environment that still feels rundown despite recent improvements all contribute to making Putney a challenging place to run a retail business.
There’s a positive counterpoint however: Blank Street Coffee has just opened in the former Wasabi location and appears to be doing good trade. New businesses are still willing to try Putney. But the balance feels precarious – for every opening, there’s a closure.
The traffic problems and retail struggles aren’t separate issues – they’re connected. A congested, messy high street environment drives people away or encourages them to pass through quickly rather than stop and shop. Breaking the cycle will require focused effort and long-term thinking. Putney needs both better traffic management and a serious strategy to make the High Street an attractive place for businesses to operate and people to spend time.
The question is whether that effort will arrive before more businesses follow Starbucks out the door.
