The City of London Corporation has drawn up plans for a massive rethink of the 1970s gyratory system around St Paul’s Cathedral that puts London’s most famous place of worship on an island surrounded on three sides by fast moving traffic.
The Square Mile’s local authority is seeking views on what it calls a “once in a generation” opportunity to create a new public square close to Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece.
The Corporation is consuilting on three potential options for streets that currently form part of the St Paul’s Gyratory between the Museum of London and St Paul’s Underground station.
All three would see the creation of a new public square next to Christchurch Greyfriars Church Garden, along with traffic calming measures and improvements for people walking and cycling.
The work could be part-funded by the developers behind the refurbishment of the neighbouring former BT building at 81 Newgate Street.
Views are being sought on ‘once in a generation’ plans to create a new public square and remodel a 1970s one-way system north of St Paul’s Cathedral.
Shravan Joshi, who chairs the Corporation’s planning and transportation committee, said: “The redevelopment work going on in this part of the City gives us a once in a generation opportunity to transform an outdated road system and create a safer, more pleasant environment for people walking and cycling.
“It will also enable us to create an attractive new public square which workers, residents and visitors can enjoy, and support our ambition of boosting the Square Mile’s role as a 24/7 destination.
“It’s vital we take into account the views of businesses, residents and street users before any decision is made on how to progress, so I’d encourage people to have their say now and ensure their voice is heard.”
One potential scheme would see King Edward Street south of Angel Street closed to all traffic, allowing a 2,800 sq m public square to be created, with two-way traffic in Newgate Street and St Martin’s Le Grand.
The second option would allow buses and people cycling to use the southern part of King Edward Street, while the third would involve more minor changes, but both would see a smaller public square replacing the current slip road.
Work would need to be completed by early 2025 to coincide with the completion of the 81 Newgate Street redevelopment.
A second phase of work on the northern section of the gyratory would see the removal of the rotunda and roundabout outside the former Museum of London site, subject to the Corporation’s London Wall West development going ahead.
George Kyriacou, of Pella Real Estate Partners, Development Managers of the Panorama St. Paul’s scheme at 81 Newgate Street said: “We have been working closely with City Corporation Officers to make the most of the site’s unique location as a gateway to the Culture Mile and to align with key City and public priorities.
“We will continue to work alongside the Corporation to make the project a reality in what would be a really transformative change for this part of the City.”
The consultation is open until 25 January.
