Whitfield Gardens – before and after
As we move in 2021 explore our before and after photos of Whitfield Gardens. We hope for those of you unable to visit at this time that you enjoy these. You can also watch videos of the space.
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Whitfield Gardens Now Open – explore the garden
Watch construction through our timelapse camera
Project Manager for Whitfield Garden, Costa shares his favourite parts of working on this exciting scheme including the wonderful restoration of the Fitzrovia mural. Costa was lucky enough to climb the scaffolding while the mural was being restored so he got to see the amazing art work up close.
Our designers LDA have created a beautiful space in response to the issues highlighted by local communities. Hear from Sophie on how they designed a green space that works for local people and celebrates its special nature.
Hear from Cllr Harrison about the West End Project, how we are greening the area around Tottenham Court Road and the background to the Whitfield Gardens project.
How do you deliver a project during a Pandemic? Project manager for our contractors, Karl talks about delivering the rejuvenation of Whitfield Gardens with the added pressure of Covid-19 and thanks our local residents for their patience.
We partnered with NRP to help manage the contract to deliver Whitfield Gardens. Issac talks about how they overcame the issues of Covid-19 and how important outdoor spaces are for everyone both during the pandemic and beyond.
Whitfield Gardens is now open – for those of you who can’t visit yet Steffi from Camden takes us on a tour a few week’s before it was finished as a sneak peak to the changes which have been made.
We love the new Whitfield Gardens – but what does Fitzrovia Partnership think of the changes we have made? Lee Lyons talks about the importance of Whitfield Gardens locally and what the project on the whole means to them.
Hear Tim from our designers LDA talk about his favourite parts of the garden and how the design came together to deliver a garden and urban square which provides lots of places to stop and relax and eat your lunch alongside woodland planting.
The rejuvenation of Whitfield Gardens is now complete
The newly designed garden 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 improvements to Whitfield Gardens, in parallel with the restoration of the iconic Fitzrovia Mural and the memorial mark another milestone towards the completion of the West End Project.
“This green space is loved by many and is an important and much used location in this part of the borough. We are very proud of the work, which demonstrates our commitment to making beautiful, safe and usable public spaces that everyone can enjoy.”
Councillor Adam Harrison, Cabinet member for a Sustainable Camden
Work undertaken to revive this much cherished local space, included a planting scheme that thrives in shady locations, plus better accessibility as the gardens now allow visitors to cross easily between Tottenham Court Road and Whitfield Street/Tottenham Street. The new square provides space for people to stop and enjoy as well as a space for future events.
Councillor Harrison continued:
“The restoration of the Fitzrovia mural is an important part of the West End Project and I’m delighted with the end result.
“This local landmark had sadly been showing its age in recent years and this faithful restoration has brought it back to the vibrant best it deserves to be enjoyed in its full glory and also complemented by the works undertaken on the gardens.
“Caring for our local heritage has been a key part of this garden restoration and the design highlights the history of the space.
“We have worked with specialist stone restorers Stonewest to restore the memorial which sits within the park and specially matched granite from Italy has been carefully crafted to repair damage.
“I would like to extend my thanks to the local community for their patience during these works, especially during the initial lockdown period.”
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 in place of a road. 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.
For more information about the West End Project visit the website or email: westendproject@camden.gov.uk
Idverde, who undertook the work on Whitfield Gardens, said: “We are delighted to have played an integral part to the transformation of Whitfield Gardens which has brought this much loved space to life with a new urban square and garden below the statuesque Plane trees.
“The introduction of raised planters filled with diverse planting provides interest and refuge for biodiversity and the introduction of new surfacing and furniture throughout has created an improved destination overlooked by the iconic Fitzrovia Mural.
“The completion of the project represents the dedication and hard work by our project team and supply chain to deliver the works in testing times through the coronavirus pandemic. We look forward to handing the completed gardens over the local residents, business and visitors to enjoy for years to come.”
Sophie Thompson, Director of LDA, who created the designs for Whitfield Gardens, said: “When we first listened to the community there was a strong desire to create a safer, more welcoming and sociable green space.
“Through the introduction of attractive and biodiverse planting, pop-up power and movable furniture for events, a restored Fitzrovia mural, long table dining and comfortable seating, we really hope that everyone can enjoy Whitfield Gardens again.
“We are absolutely delighted to re-open this cherished garden and square for the benefit of residents, workers and visitors. Now more than ever London needs safe, attractive, and inclusive green spaces that can offer a place to come together to sit, socialise and experience nature.”
Lee Bofkin, CEO and Co-founder of Global Street Art, who restored the Fitzrovia mural said: “It’s been an honour for Global Street Art to work alongside Camden Council to restore this historic 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 at least another forty years.”
High Holborn is changing to two-way traffic this October
Another milestone in the West End Project’s programme will soon be reached, when High Holborn, between Shaftesbury Avenue and Museum Street, becomes two-way for vehicles on Friday 9 October.
This change 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.
This transformation means that High Holborn will become two way to traffic, between Shaftesbury Avenue and Museum Street, this is the next step in the process to improving journey times and reducing congestion across the wider Tottenham Court Road area.
By the end of 2020, Tottenham Court Road will also have seen the delivery of the rejuvenated local green space at Whitfield Gardens and the restoration of the much-loved Fitzrovia Mural.
Once the project is fully completed in 2021 Gower Street and Bloomsbury Street will also be two way to traffic with sections of both the north and southbound lanes on Tottenham Court Road restricted to buses and cyclists only between 8am and 7pm Monday to Saturday.
“The implementation of two-way traffic on this section of High Holborn will mark another step towards delivering this important transformational project. We have also added brand new safer pedestrian crossings making it easier for pedestrians to navigate the area. This is an important step in creating a new public space at Princes Circus, which will be safer and more enjoyable for pedestrians, cyclists and road users. Crucially I would like to remind pedestrians the important need to now look both ways when crossing High Holborn between Shaftesbury Avenue and Museum Street following these changes and that the new pedestrian crossings are the safest way to cross the road!”
Councillor Adam Harrison, Cabinet member for a Sustainable Camden
Tony Dougal at Eurovia Contracting, said: “Our teams are delighted to be delivering such a transformational project on behalf of the Borough.
“The safety and environmental improvements are already making a real difference on the ground and we look forward to continuing to work alongside our partners; London Borough of Camden and Norman Rourke Pryme to deliver final completion of the West End Project in early 2021.”
Sam Monck, Head of Investment Delivery Planning at Transport for London, said: “As London recovers from the pandemic, improving road safety, congestion and air quality are all now more important than ever.
“By creating safer, greener and more attractive streets, the West End Project will transform the area for locals and visitors. As always, but especially so when the road network is changing, we’d advise everyone to check before they travel and make sure they’re looking both ways when crossing the road.”
There may be some short-term localised disruption whilst these changes are being implemented and commuters and motorists are advised to check online at www.tfl.gov.uk/plan-a-journey before they travel.
Should there be a need to postpone these changes due to circumstances out of the council’s control, such as adverse weather, it will communicate this via the project website.
A map showing how vehicles can travel following these changes is available.
Advice for pedestrians
Please take care when crossing High Holborn and remember to now look both ways for traffic. There are a number of pedestrian crossings along the road, which we would encourage you to use, and we will have stewards on the street to remind people of the change for the first few days.
Advice for cyclists
The road layout will have changed so please take extra care, take note of all signs and watch for pedestrians and drivers who may not yet be used to two-way traffic.
Any cyclists heading north up Shaftesbury Avenue who wish to go east should turn right onto High Holborn to continue their journey.
Cyclists will be able to use High Holborn in both ways between Shaftesbury Avenue and Museum Street.
TFL have quieter cycle routes on their website, which includes a nearby link from the south – to explore these visit https://tfl.gov.uk/maps/cycle
Resurfacing work will still be taking place in the Princes Circus area so delays should be expected until this is completed at the end of October. You can see maps of how the road layouts are changing for the project.
Advice for drivers
The road layout will have changed so please take extra care, take note of all signs and watch for pedestrians who may not yet be used to two-way traffic.
Any traffic heading north up Shaftesbury Avenue who wish to go east should turn right onto High Holborn to continue their journey.
Drivers will be able to use High Holborn in both ways between Shaftesbury Avenue and Museum Street.
Resurfacing work will still be taking place in the Princes Circus area so delays should be expected until this is completed at the end of October. You can see maps of how the road layouts are changing for the project.
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
New green and public spaces designs confirmed for West End Project
Following extensive public engagement and valuable input from the community, Camden Council has now confirmed the final designs for three new and improved green spaces in the heart of London: Princes Circus in Holborn, and Alfred Place and Whitfield Gardens off Tottenham Court Road.
These new and renewed public spaces form part of the West End Project, the biggest council-led transport scheme the borough has ever seen. The West End Project will address 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.
Councillor Adam Harrison, Cabinet Member for Improving Camden’s Environment said:
“An integral part of the West End Project is to green the area by creating a totally new park in Alfred Place, the first for this part of the borough in a quarter of a century, innovatively turning road space into green space.
“We are also transforming Princes Circus in Holborn and rejuvenating Whitfield Gardens close to Goodge Street tube, both of which can be much improved.”
During the engagement, 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 designs were both attractive and functional.
Councillor Harrison continued: “We are very proud of the final designs, which highlight our commitment to making beautiful, safe and usable public spaces that everyone can enjoy safely.
“I believe that these will make a massive difference to residents, workers, shoppers and commuters both passing through and spending longer enjoying the spaces.
“we are very grateful to our local community, businesses and users who gave up their time to talk to us, and share their ideas on the plans which have helped to better shape these final designs.
“Our designs for these spaces have already been recognised for their quality. At this year’s New London Architecture Awards we won the award for Unbuilt Public Spaces. This recognises the very best in architecture, planning and development in the capital. We have also been named joint winner in the Future Place category at the Pineapple Awards sponsored by the Design Council which showcase the best urban developments from across the UK.
“Accompanying the new public spaces we have been planting a significant number of new trees across the project area to further enhance the street scene and environment.”
Princes Circus as been redesigned to improve the pedestrian route between Covent Garden and the British Museum. Distinctive woodland style planting with new places to sit and enjoy the area, will make the space inviting and provide places to stop and rest.
Feedback from the engagement helped address issues raised in relation to possible anti-social behaviour at this location. As a result the final designs include improved lighting and the removal of visual obstructions to reduce opportunities for this kind of behaviour.
Alfred Place will see a transformation of the road into a green space to provide an oasis of calm, complete with places for children to play and lawns to relax on.
The feedback included concerns of increased litter, that the park might not be easy to find and that the planting would just create a large area of grass. We amended the designs to ensure there were sufficient rubbish bins and signage and have highlighted that the planting scheme will be varied, creating a haven for wildlife and year round interest.
The design for Whitfield Gardens will revive a much cherished local space. We will improve the square with planting that thrives in shady locations. The park will be made accessible, allowing people to cross between Tottenham Court Road and Whitfield Street / Tottenham Street.
Feedback received included queries about the lighting and possible anti-social behaviour. We have amended the designs to remove obstructions that separated the garden from the square to open up the space. We are also working with a specialist lighting designer to create a new lighting design aimed at providing a safe and welcoming area.
Further information
For more information about the West End Project visit the website or email:westendproject@camden.gov.uk
Tottenham Court Road changing to two way this Easter
A key milestone in the West End Project’s (WEP) programme will be achieved this Easter, when Tottenham Court Road becomes two way for vehicles on Saturday 20 April.
As the largest transformational scheme in the borough, the WEP is changing not just how people travel in the Tottenham Court Road area, but how it looks and feels. Issues, which have affected the area for some time, are being addressed, including traffic congestion, road safety, a lack of public open space and poor air quality.
Major transformation will take place as Tottenham Court Road becomes two way to traffic, improving journey times, reducing congestion and making bus journeys less confusing. All buses will be moved to Tottenham Court Road and, for the first year, the new southbound lane will be open to buses and cyclists only – 24 hours a day.
By the end of 2019, Tottenham Court Road will also see the delivery of new local green spaces and restoration of the much-loved Fitzrovia mural. The council will also be creating a new diagonal road crossing at Tottenham Court Road tube station in the spring of 2020, which will greatly improve the pedestrian flow in the area.
Once the project is fully completed in spring 2020, areas of the southbound lane on Tottenham Court Road will open to traffic and there will be sections of both the north and southbound lanes restricted to buses and cyclists only between 8am and 7pm Monday to Saturday.
Councillor Adam Harrison, Cabinet Member for Improving Camden’s Environment said:
“This will improve the area for pedestrians and cyclists, and make bus journeys less confusing and more efficient.
“All buses will use Tottenham Court Road from the afternoon of Easter Saturday and it is important to note that there will no longer be any buses serving Gower Street and Bloomsbury Street. This will make bus journeys more efficient and you will be able to get on and off your bus on the same street, facilitated by the new bus stops along Tottenham Court Road.
“Switching to two way is a major change for Tottenham Court Road and we are working hard to make sure that people are aware of the positive impact on the journeys they make and the importance of being prepared for this change.
“Crucially I would like to remind pedestrians the important need to look both ways when crossing Tottenham Court Road following these changes.”
As well as the changes to the road layout, all the other associated Tottenham Court Road improvements will also be finished at this time, so pedestrians can enjoy the widened pavement and the fully restored historic Grade II listed lampposts – which were the very first electric street lighting anywhere in London.
David Hughes, TfL’s Director of Investment Delivery Planning, said:
“The Mayor’s Healthy Streets programme is making London’s streets more attractive, accessible and people-friendly, encouraging Londoners and visitors to walk, shop and enjoy their streets.
“We’re pleased to see that our funding has helped Camden Council move on to the next phase of its West End Project, as traffic switches to two-way operation over Easter. I’d like to encourage local residents and visitors to take extra care once the switchover is complete, as people and traffic get used to the new layout.”
Phil Skegg, Managing Director at Eurovia Contracting, said:
“We are delighted to have completed the first phase of the scheme which will transform the Tottenham Court Road area, making it safer and more attractive for residents, boosting business and creating new public spaces for the community and visitors to enjoy.”
There may be some short-term localised disruption whilst these changes are being implemented and commuters and motorists are advised to check online at: www.tfl.gov.uk/plan-a-journey before they travel.
A map showing how vehicles can travel from Easter is available on the council’s website: www.camden.gov.uk/westendproject
Businesses on Tottenham Court Road will be able to use the new loading bays now installed. There is a guide for businesses and delivery drivers on the council’s website
The new bus stops along Tottenham Court Road are situated between:
University Street and Capper Street
Torrington Place and Chenies Street
Bayley Street and Bedford Avenue
The bus stops on the northbound side remain in the same locations but please be aware that the bus stop at Percy Street and Windmill Street has been permanently removed
West End war memorial renovated ahead of remembrance commemorations
A grade two listed war memorial, honouring the men of the 12th County of London Regiment (known as ‘the Rangers’), who sacrificed their lives in both world wars, has been restored to its former glory as part of Camden Council’s West End Project (WEP).
“This important memorial, erected in 1920 to commemorate the bravery of the Rangers in the Great War, and subsequently the Second World War, had over many years become rather weathered and careworn. As a ward councillor for Bloomsbury I pressed for this in the past and am glad we are now able to make these improvements. The advent of Camden Council’s West End Project has enabled us to work in partnership not only to restore the monument, but to significantly improve its immediate surroundings, especially important in 2018, the hundredth anniversary of the end of the Great War.”
Councillor Adam Harrison, Cabinet Member for Improving Camden’s Environment
To undertake a series of restoration works to the memorial and its surroundings, the Council worked with Iron Mountain who lease the neighbouring Eisenhower Centre and the charity Just Rifles, a London based military charity providing nationwide support for sick and injured servicemen, veterans, and their families.
To improve the setting of the war memorial the Council removed a parking bay situated in front of the memorial and laid brand new York Stone paving. Iron Mountain provided new fencing for the memorial while Just Rifles secured vital funding to facilitate specialist work to restore the memorial itself, including remarking all the lettering.
“This restoration and improvement works, undertaken with the grateful assistance of Iron Mountain and Just Rifles, encapsulates the aims of Camden Council’s West End Project, beyond being just another traffic improvement scheme, which is to transform the area around Tottenham Court Road for the benefit of all. Alongside the newly restored war memorial we are also creating a totally new park in Alfred Place, innovatively turning road space into green space. This will be the first new park for this part of the borough in a quarter of a century. We will also transform existing public spaces at Princes Circus in Holborn and Whitfield Gardens close to Goodge Street tube as well as creating a string of pocket parks along Tottenham Court Road at Capper Street, Bedford Avenue, and Bailey Street. New trees will be planted across the project area including the new plaza at St Giles.”
Councillor Adam Harrison, Cabinet Member for Improving Camden’s Environment
A spokesperson from Just Rifles said:
“Just Rifles are delighted to announce completion of restoration work on the Rangers London Regiment 12th Battalion war memorial, through the War Memorials Trust. The Rangers was a volunteer unit of the British Army formed in the 19th Century. They saw extensive action on the Western Front during the First World War, including at the battles of the Somme and Passchendaele. Just Rifles are extremely grateful to Iron Mountain for renewing the railings and to the London Borough of Camden for replacing the York stone.
The council have been instrumental in improving the whole area surrounding the memorial. November 2018 marks 100 years since the end of World War I, and timely competition of the memorial was imperative. Just Rifles will be holding special Remembrance weekend events (PDF) at the memorial to honour the centenary, and those who lost their lives fighting for our freedom. All are invited to and attend remember the fallen.
”Councillor Jenny Headlam-Wells, Mayor of Camden Council said:
“It is fantastic news that this memorial is being restored to its former glory. The annual act of remembrance is very important to both the council and people from all walks of life across the borough, especially as we join the countrywide commemoration of the centenary of the end of the Great War in 1918 this November with the lighting of a ceremonial beacon in Bloomsbury Square.”
Set to be the largest transformational scheme in the London Borough of Camden, the WEP will change not just how people travel in the Tottenham Court Road area, but how it looks and feels. Issues, which have affected the area for some time, will be addressed, including traffic congestion, a lack of public open space and poor air quality.
Enhancement works currently underway include: the creation of new wider pavements across Tottenham Court Road in high quality granite, the historic Grade II listed lamp posts – the very first electric street lighting anywhere in London – undergoing restoration and the creation of a new public plaza around Centre Point.
Once completed this will mark a major transformation in the area as Tottenham Court Road and Gower Street/Bloomsbury Street become two way to traffic, improving the area for pedestrians and cyclists, reducing congestion and making bus journeys less confusing. All busses will be moved from Tottenham Court Road, which will be restricted to buses and cyclists only between 8am and 7pm Monday to Saturday.
Have your say on new green spaces
Today Camden Council and its partners released designs for three new and improved green spaces in the heart of London: Princes Circus in Holborn, and Alfred Place and Whitfield Gardens off Tottenham Court Road.
These new and renewed public spaces form part of the West End Project, the biggest Camden council-led transport scheme the borough has ever seen. The West End Project will address poor air quality, traffic congestion, and road safety.
“It’s time to green the West End, or Camden’s part of it at least. We are creating a totally new park in Alfred Place, innovatively turning road space into green space. This will be the first new park for this part of the borough in a quarter of a century. We will also transform Princes Circus in Holborn and Whitfield Gardens close to Goodge Street tube, both of which can be much improved.
We are working with LDA Design and will also create a string of pocket parks along Tottenham Court Road at Capper Street, Bedford Avenue, and Bailey Street. We are also adding over 20 new trees across the area.
With uncertainty hanging over other important roads in the area such as Oxford Street, it is important that we take what steps we can to ensure the West End is as clean, green, and safe as possible. I hope as many people as possible come forward to comment on the plans.”
Councillor Adam Harrison, Cabinet Member for Improving Camden’s Environment
You can view the plans and listen to a presentation from the designers on Tuesday 21 August in the Building Centre, Store Street, London, WC1E 7BT. You can view the designs between 6.30 and 8.30pm with the presentation from LDA Design at 7.15 to 7.45pm
You can also visit our website: www.camden.gov.uk/westendproject to view artist impressions of the green spaces and email your comments to: westendproject@camden.gov.uk
“Princes Circus will provide a calm place with lots of places for people to sit and relax, improving the link between Covent Garden and the British Museum for pedestrians, while our work in Whitfield Gardens will revive a cherished local garden.”
Councillor Adam Harrison, Cabinet Member for Improving Camden’s Environment
Last month the project moved into the main phase of work, with new high quality granite paving being laid on Tottenham Court Road. The work is taking place in phases across Tottenham Court Road and Gower Street/Bloomsbury Street to reduce the impact on residents, businesses and visitors.
The project was approved in 2015 and Camden Council has been working in partnership with Transport for London, Crossrail: The Elizabeth Line Project, City of Westminster Council, BeeMidtown, The Fitzrovia Partnership and London First. We received over 1,000 responses to the original consultation from residents, businesses and local interest groups which has helped to shape the project. We continue to work closely with local resident associations, businesses and special interest groups to ensure the project delivers the transformation that the area and its community deserves.
Transformation of Tottenham Court Road area to start
The £35m West End Project will begin in early March. Set to be the largest transformational scheme in the London Borough of Camden, the project will change not just how people travel in the Tottenham Court Road area, but how it looks and feels. Issues which have affected the area for some time, will be addressed, including poor air quality, traffic congestion, and a lack of public open space.
“2018 will be one of the most important years in the history of Tottenham Court Road and Gower Street. I am very excited that the fruits of many years’ preparation will soon be seen.
“This part of the West End deserves the ambition that Camden and Transport for London are showing for it. With the opening of the new Crossrail station, the West End Project will create new public spaces for residents, local workers and visitors, making the area safer, greener and good for business.
“This includes the first new park in many years, at Alfred Place – which is currently a road. We will finally be able to sweep away nasty street clutter like old railings and the many redundant phone boxes which cause such a blight. And the restoration of the Bloomsbury Rangers war memorial and the Fitzrovia Mural – which together attest to the history and diversity of the area – will also be brought forward.”
Councillor Adam Harrison, Cabinet Member for Improving Camden’s Environment
The first of the improvement works include: new granite paving being laid on New Oxford Street by Centre Point; removal of pedestrian barriers and traffic light poles from Tottenham Court Road; historic Grade II listed lamp posts – the very first electric street lighting anywhere in London – being carefully removed from Tottenham Court Road for restoration; and trial holes being dug across the project area to understand the road structure.
These works will prepare the way for major transformations in the area as Tottenham Court Road and Gower Street become two way to traffic, improving journey times, reducing congestion and making bus journeys less confusing. All busses will be moved to Tottenham Court Road, which will be restricted to buses and cyclists only between 8am and 7pm Monday to Saturday.
Over 8,000 letters have been delivered to residents and businesses across the area to share news on the upcoming works. All local residents, businesses and stakeholders will be able to access regular, up to date information on the project’s progress via the project’s webpages, where there is also an opportunity to sign up to receive a regular electronic newsletter.
Councillor Harrison continued: “We will be working hard to keep disruption to a minimum during the life of the project. We are also monitoring the air quality through a series of stations that we have installed.”
Ben Plowden, Director of Project and Programme Sponsorship, at TfL said: “We are working closer than ever before with the London boroughs to ensure London remains a world-class city with more attractive, accessible and people-friendly streets.
“The transformation of the Tottenham Court Road area will support the launch of the Elizabeth line later this year and will help to redefine London. Safer roads for pedestrians and cyclists, new public spaces and improved public transport will hugely benefit those living, working and visiting the area. We will work closely with Camden Council to reduce the disruption of the work, but road users are advised to leave more time for their journeys.”
The project was approved in 2015 and Camden Council has been working in partnership with Transport for London, Crossrail: The Elizabeth Line Project, City of Westminster Council, BeeMidtown, The Fitzrovia Partnership and London First. We received over 1,000 responses to the original consultation from residents, businesses and local interest groups which has helped to shape the project. We continue to work closely with local resident associations, businesses and special interest groups to ensure the project delivers the transformation that the area and its community deserves.
To keep up to date with all the latest on the project, or to sign up to our dedicated West End Project newsletter go to: www.camden.gov.uk/westendproject