Plans to make Ludgate Circus, one of central London’s most intimidating junctions, far more friendly for pedestrians were unveiled today as part of an £80 million blueprint for transforming the area around Fleet Street.
The proposals from the Fleet Street Quarter Business Improvement District, would mirror the changes at Oxford Circus made in 2009, with diagonal crossings, the removal of clutter such as railings and wider pedestrian walkways.
A strategy document from the business group drawn up by architects Gensler says Ludgate Circus, currently a daunting expanse of tarmac with heavy traffic and fast moving packs of cyclists, could be transformed into a “vibrant destination.”
The 10 year plan aims to double the number of safe cycle routes and add 3,000 sq m of pedestrian space in the western City.
The area known for its heavy traffic is expected to have to cope with 25,000 extra workers over the next decade as a result of a £5 billion pipeline of office developments and the creation of a new Justice Quarter.
Ludgate Circus has long been known as an accident blackspot for pedestrians and cyclists although the north-south cycling super highway has made it safer for cyclists.
Lady Lucy French, chief executive of the Fleet Street Quarter BID, said: ”The idea is to widen the area for the pedestrians on the four arms of the circus and also have cross-way walking, a bit like Oxford Circus. It will calm the traffic and make it a much more pleasant experience for pedestrians. We will great rid of street furniture and a lot of the clutter. It should be one of the great London circuses.”
In total the report ‘Fleet Street Quarter’s Era of Change’ identifies 34 potential improvements to public realm across the 43 acres of the BID area, which stretches from Temple Bar in the west to Ludgate in the east and from Holborn Viaduct in the south to Blackfriars in the south.
Other proposals include widening and greening the pavements on Fleet Street, which would have restricted vehicle access. The eastbound bus lane would be scrapped. At Holborn Circus the plans include the creation of an urban forest and increased public accessibility, while Holborn Viaduct would have art installations and an infographic that celebrates the history of the Fleet river.
The proposals are at an early stage and would be largely funded by the City of London Corporation with some contributions from Section 106 planning agreements.
Lady French, said: “The sheer scale of this transformation is directly what we know our businesses and investors in the area want to see, it is a direct response to the voices of our levy payers and the wider community. This area is steeped with a rich history but now it is about taking it forward into its next phase of transformation, ensuring the area is globally competitive and catering for a new generation of visitors, workers and businesses.’
Shravan Joshi, planning and transportation chairman at the City of London Corporation, said: “As footfall across central London continues to rise, it is crucial the City Corporation supports organisations like the Fleet Street Quarter BID to make the Square Mile a safer, more inviting environment for everyone. The new City Plan has designated the Fleet Street Quarter as an area to encourage new development, in order to deliver greater inward investment and economic growth.
“With the launch of the Fleet Street Quarter’s public realm strategy, as well as the changes being made, in tandem, to our own City Plan and Transport Strategy, the Square Mile will become an even more desirable and inclusive seven-day-a-week visitor destination, for all to enjoy.”
Ian Mulcahey, director of cities at Gensler, said: “We are delighted to be developing the strategy for one of the biggest improvement initiatives in the City of London in over 100 years. The reinvigoration of the Fleet Street Quarter has the potential to transform an essential and historic part of London’s Central Business District to create a dynamic 24/7 working, cultural and visitor destination.”
