The UK’s ‘prettiest street’ is set to get £4.4m for a makeover to make it even more beautiful. The west London high street has featured in hit British films like Notting Hill and Paddington.

Plans to “modernise” Portobello Road were recently approved during a Kensington and Chelsea Council meeting. Councillors agreed to spend on upgrading the pavements, lighting and greenery. Other upgrades will see new dropped kerbs installed for wheelchair access, additional parking bays created, and existing anti-terror barriers swapped out for sliding bollards.

The council stated that funding for the makeover will come from the Community Infrastructure Levy, which is collected from developers. They added that no money will be taken from other services to pay for the high street’s reinvention.

The revamp is due to start in January 2027.

Other changes to the area include the council’s plans to use a system called Hydrorock to mitigate flooding, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, following the area’s floods in 2021.

The switch from anti-terror barriers to sliding bollards comes after Portobello Road residents took legal action against the council for the barrier, in August last year. They were put in place the month before in line with counter-terrorism advice from the Metropolitan Police.

Portobello Road is known for its brightly coloured and pastel-coloured houses, leading to its reputation as the UK’s prettiest street. The road is famously a hotspot for tourists, thanks to its aesthetic appeal.

The road also features the iconic Portobello Road Market which is generally open six days a week, with Saturday being the busiest and best day for antiques.

One recent review of Portobello Road Market reads: “The area is beautiful, and within walking distance to plenty of good restaurants. Shoppers can find products at different price ranges, so it’s an accessible shopping experience.

“It was also great to hop into some of the brick and mortar antique and vintage stores. This is a great place to shop for oneself, as well as for quirky (and sometimes bespoke) souvenirs for others.”

While some reviews warn visitors about the crowds on market days, another review praised the diversity and atmosphere of the area.

They wrote: “You will find antiques, street food, vintage clothes and local products.

“The atmosphere of the neighbourhood conquers you immediately and each walk hides something different to discover. It is definitely worth a visit!!”