One of the things I’m most excited about as part of our regeneration work in Tottenham is creating new spaces where our creative artists, musicians and performers can show off their skills and bring the community together.

That’s why I’m so passionate about the work underway at Tottenham Green to turn this underused spot – which residents have repeatedly told me they see as the heart of Tottenham – into a better public space that brings the area to life.

The new-look Tottenham Green will boast a new dedicated performance square, pop-up bandstand and new play areas, and we’re overhauling lighting, paths and benches as well to make it a pleasant spot to relax on the High Road.

What I’m really proud of is that this is a space for the community, designed by the community – with our architects working closely with residents in workshops during the last two years.

We want more people to spend more time in Tottenham, visiting thriving local shops and businesses. Creating space for local cultural talent to flourish is a good way to achieve that, and I hope you’ll join me to watch the first performances at the revamped Green later this year.

Another way we can support our local businesses is to celebrate the quality traders that have been serving Tottenham for generations. Last month, I was delighted to join the Tottenham Traders Partnership to present plaques to some of the longest-serving shopkeepers in our community.

Inspirational people like Grazzi Parletta, whose Italian recipes have spearheaded San Marco in Bruce Grove since 1982, and Derek Lewis, who has worked at H Glickman on the High Road for more than 50 years, were handed the plaques in recognition of their contribution to our community.

You should see the maroon plaques appearing outside some local businesses soon, and we’ll be continuing our work with traders to improve shop fronts and make our high streets a more welcoming place for shoppers.

We’ve also been working hard during the last few months to speak to residents as part of our Tottenham’s Future consultation and have engaged with 3,600 local people so far.

Your views will help shape our plans for the future and make sure that we deliver the right regeneration that benefits local people – with more jobs, better housing and improved transport links.

We’re committed to being transparent and open about our work and involving the community at every step. That’s why we’re holding a public exhibition this week at the 639 Enterprise Centre to report back to you on feedback so far.

Positive change – like the work at Tottenham Green – is already underway, but it’s vital that we make detailed plans now so we have a clear strategy of how regeneration will achieve the ambitions of local people in the longer term as well.

To find out more about this week’s exhibition and how you can get involved, visit www.tottenhamsfuture.co.uk