The rejuvenation of Whitfield Gardens begins!
Another significant step in the progress of the West End Project has been taken with the start of works to rejuvenate Whitfield Gardens.
This renewed public space forms part of the biggest council-led public realm and transport scheme the borough has ever seen. The West End Project is addressing traffic congestion, road safety, poor air quality and the fact that this area has previously had less than the Camden average of public open space.
The final design for Whitfield Gardens was confirmed following an engagement, held during the summer of 2019, which involved a combination of pop up events, evening sessions and email discussions, the council spoke to over 350 members of the community, helping it to ensure that the design is both attractive and functional.
The design will revive a much cherished local space, and will improve the square with planting that thrives in shady locations. The park will also be made accessible, allowing people to cross easily between Tottenham Court Road and Whitfield Street / Tottenham Street.
Councillor Adam Harrison, Cabinet member for a Sustainable Camden said:
“It is exciting that the work to improve Whitfield Gardens and restore the iconic Fitzrovia Mural is now under way. Greening the area is an integral part of the West End Project. As well as the improved Whitfield Gardens, the project will see new pocket parks along Tottenham Court Road, the transformation of Princes Circus in Holborn, and the creation at Alfred Place of a totally new park. Alfred Place will be the first new green space for this part of the borough in a quarter of a century, innovatively turning road space into green space.”
“We are very proud of the final design, which highlights our commitment to making beautiful, safe and usable public spaces that everyone can enjoy. I am also excited about the renovation of the Fitzrovia Mural being undertaken by Global Street Arts. This local landmark has sadly being showing its age in recent years and this work will bring it back to the vibrant best it deserves. These improvements will make a massive difference to residents, workers, shoppers and commuters both passing through and spending longer enjoying the spaces.” Councillor Adam Harrison, Cabinet member for a Sustainable Camden
Idverde, contractors at Whitfield Gardens said:
“We’re delighted to have been awarded the works to rejuvenate Whitfield Gardens and to continue our connection with the parks and open spaces in the Borough and the residents and visitors they serve.
We are already very proud of the part we play in the daily management and maintenance of parks across the Borough. As part of the West End Project our works will revitalise an existing well used public open space making it more accessible for the benefit of local residents, workers and visitors to the area.
The introduction of planting more suited to the site conditions will benefit both nature and people and more benches will allow visitors to spend a little more time enjoying the space.”
Global street arts said:
“It’s an honour for Global Street Art to have been chosen by Camden Council to restore Mick Jones and Simon Barber’s historic Fitzrovia Mural. We have investigated many information sources to assess how the mural would have looked when it was first painted. By recreating the mural from scratch, replacing all of the old render, we hope the new mural lasts in great condition for as long as the original did.”
For more information about the West End Project visit the website or email: westendproject@camden.gov.uk