insideKENT Magazine Issue 92 - November 2019 | Page 40

IN ASSOCIATION WITH
TOWNSPOTLIGHT
SPOTLIGHT ON ORPINGTON CONT.
An attractive, busy high street lined with trees is
home to some well-established businesses, including
key national brands as well as an increasing number
of independents.
An abundance of new businesses and inward investors
have identified the growth potential in the town and
the increased interest is supporting a high occupancy
rate. As customer requirements change and shopping
habits alter, so does the town and the mix of shops
and services within it. From vinyl record stores to
pop-up boutiques, and from boxing gyms to the new
Health & Wellbeing Centre, the town is evolving
into a modern and exciting place offering something
for everyone.
Hidden within the beautiful Grade II listed Priory
Gardens, lies the oldest building in the borough,
which today houses a thriving collection of artist
studios including; upholstery, ceramics, set design,
and photography, adding an exciting new dynamic
to the business community.
The town is home to some excellent schools, including
two of the country’s top grammar schools, St
Olave’s and Newstead Woods , and boasts
great transport links to both city and county. Journeys
to London Bridge are just 15-minutes from
Orpington railway station, used by over 1.1 million
passengers each year, with additional Thameslink
services on state-of-the-art new trains further
improving the town’s connectivity.
Alongside a range of quality housing, and surrounded
by green space including golf courses, country parks
and sports pitches, it is no wonder the area was
recently voted one of the best places for families.
ORPINGTON 1ST:
BETTER FOR BUSINESS
Initially established in 2013 as the first Business
Improvement District (BID) in the London Borough
of Bromley, Orpington 1st BID is a not-for-
profit limited company owned and led by local
LIGHT UP ORPINGTON 2018 CULMINATING WITH A
FABULOUS FIREWORK FINALE.
THE ORPINGTON RESTAURANT & RECORD STORE HAS A
BEEN A BIG HIT WITH MUSIC AND FOOD LOVERS ALIKE.
FLAVOURS OF ORPINGTON 2019: FOODIE FRIDAY WELCOMED VISITORS TO MARKET
SQUARE TO ENJOY AN EVENING OF LIVE MUSIC AND STREET FOOD.
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employers which is now in its second 5-year term,
having secured overwhelming support in the 2017
renewal ballot.
Capitalising on the town’s excellent location as the
London/Kent Gateway, Orpington 1st funds a wide
range of projects, all aimed at making it better for
business, and in doing so is making Orpington a
vibrant, viable and relevant town centre for all.
AN ATTRACTIVE
LEISURE DESTINATION
A quality environment is a key asset in providing a
warm welcome to visitors and a feeling of security
and wellbeing to those who work in the town. In
recognition of the business community’s horticultural
credentials, and its partnership work with community
groups across a number of environmental projects,
Orpington was awarded a Silver Gilt in this year’s
prestigious London in Bloom competition. Part of
this year’s entry was the installation of a